Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What literary device is characterized by the repetition of a phrase at the beginning of sentences?

1. Epistrophe

2. Anaphora

3. Metonymy

4. Antithesis

The correct answer is: Anaphora

The term that describes the repetition of a phrase at the beginning of sentences is known as anaphora. This literary device is used to create rhythm, emphasize a point, and evoke emotion in the reader or listener. By repeating a specific phrase, an author or speaker can build a sense of urgency or importance around the idea being conveyed, enhancing the overall impact of the message. Anaphora is commonly found in poetry, speeches, and prose, where the repetition helps to unify the statements and reinforce the central theme. In contrast, while epistrophe refers to the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive sentences, metonymy involves the substitution of a name or attribute for something closely associated with it, and antithesis presents contrasting ideas within a balanced structure. These devices serve different purposes and have distinct effects in writing and rhetoric.