Something Magical I Learned in Writers’ Workshop

What is Anaphora and Epistrophe?

Photo by Fa Barboza on Unsplash

Sometimes you want to add a little sparkle to your writing. To evoke emotion and capture the imagination. To make that magical connection with the heart, the mind, the soul.

And with your audience.

Writing is more than just words on a page.

Or, in this case, the screen.

“Go big or go home.”
“Give me liberty or give me death.”
“To be or not to be. That is the question.”

These are all examples of anaphoric writing.

What is Anaphora?

Anaphora is the intentional repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

It is a literary device that certainly may enhance your writing. It is an effective stylistic element that works well for poetry and rhetoric, as well.

Anaphora vs. Epistrophe

Related to anaphora, the repetition at the beginning of a sentence, is another literary tool, epistrophe, which is the repetition of words at the end of a sentence or clause.

Epistrophe quotes — created on Canva by author

Takeaways

Both anaphora and epistrophe are emphatic writing devices that always serve a purpose and have a unique way of connecting with the reader or audience.

As rhetorical devices, anaphora and epistrophe are used to appeal to the emotions of the audience, in order to resonate, persuade, inspire, motivate, and encourage.

These literary devices focus attention and set the tone.

They can add cohesiveness, rhythm and cadence to your writing and make its impact exponentially more memorable.

Remember that intentional repetition always serves a purpose, is seamlessly woven and well-crafted. Like the magic of word play. Never dull, boring or lazy writing.

Writing Challenge

Try experimenting with the use of both anaphora and epistrophe.
Now that I know the name of these writing techniques, I’m noticing them in places I never did before.

Here’s an example:

Anaphora in Alicia Key’s song (If I Ain’t Got You)

Check out Alicia Key’s use of anaphora in the lyrics:

Some people live
Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game.

Some people want it all….

Now that you know, are there any other examples of anaphora or epistrophe that stand out to you?

Thank you to Lifeline Publication on Medium and editor Sahil Patel for carving out such a special place for poetry.

© Connie Song 2022. All Rights Reserved.