antithesis how to say

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

English pronunciation of antithesis

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

(English pronunciations of antithesis from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus and from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary , both sources © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

relating to the scientific study of animals, especially their structure

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• All translations

Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of antithesis

Did you know.

Writers and speechmakers use the traditional pattern known as antithesis for its resounding effect; John Kennedy's famous "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country" is an example. But antithesis normally means simply "opposite". Thus, war is the antithesis of peace, wealth is the antithesis of poverty, and love is the antithesis of hate. Holding two antithetical ideas in one's head at the same time—for example, that you're the sole master of your fate but also the helpless victim of your terrible upbringing—is so common as to be almost normal.

Examples of antithesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antithesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, opposition, from antitithenai to oppose, from anti- + tithenai to set — more at do

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1b(1)

Dictionary Entries Near antithesis

anti-theoretical

Cite this Entry

“Antithesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antithesis. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of antithesis, more from merriam-webster on antithesis.

Nglish: Translation of antithesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of antithesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antithesis

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, tendentious.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More commonly misspelled words, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, the words of the week - apr. 19, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, your favorite band is in the dictionary, games & quizzes.

• Pronunciation
• Try to pronounce
• Collections
• Translation

Learn how to pronounce antithesis

• Very difficult

IPA : ænˈtɪθəsɪs ænˈtɪθəsɪs

Have you finished your recording?

Phonetic spelling of antithesis

an-tith-uh-sis 1 rating rating ratings Brian Robinson An tith a sis 0 rating rating ratings Private an-ti-thesis 0 rating rating ratings Franco Berge an-tith·e-sis 0 rating rating ratings Private an-tithe-sis 0 rating rating ratings Private

Thanks for contributing

You are not logged in..

Please Log in or Register or post as a guest

Meanings for antithesis

the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance 1 rating rating ratings Sheridan Zieme a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. A contrast or opposition between two things. 1 rating rating ratings MELLONA exact opposite 1 rating rating ratings Ross Franecki contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangement of words or clauses 1 rating rating ratings Keshawn Lynch

Synonyms for antithesis

Show more fewer Synonyms

Antonyms for antithesis

epitome 41 ratings rating ratings Israel Metz

Learn more about the word "antithesis" , its origin, alternative forms, and usage from Wiktionary.

Quiz on antithesis

{{ quiz.name }}

{{ quiz.questions_count }} Questions

Show more fewer Quiz

Collections on antithesis

-{{collection.uname}}

Show more fewer Collections

Examples of in a sentence

Antithesis, synthesis? A curious observation may lead to a treatment for MS 64 ratings rating ratings Sarai Carroll At the same time this tendency to make prominent a scheme of external duties has always been counteracted in Christianity by the remembrance of its original antithesis to Jewish legalism. 54 ratings rating ratings Cecile Kuphal Once more, the notion that this indeterminate body contains potentially in itself the fundamental contraries - hot, cold, &c. - by the excretion or evolution of which definite substances were generated, is clearly a forecasting of that antithesis of potentiality and actuality which from Aristotle do 50 ratings rating ratings Diego Beer Later the commoner antithesis is between Ionian and Dorian, first (probably) in the colonial regions of Asia Minor, and later more universally. 45 ratings rating ratings Ardella Hirthe his theory is the antithesis of mine 41 ratings rating ratings Merl Stokes

antithesis should be in sentence

Translations of antithesis

Show more fewer Translation

antithesis pronunciation with meanings, synonyms, antonyms, translations, sentences and more

Which is the exact pronunciation of the name barry windham, popular collections, world's most dangerous viruses, american cities., commonly mispronounced words in english, hispanic celebrities and sports-persons, popular quizzes.

Trending on HowToPronounce

• priyanka gandhi [en]
• Mitchell [en]
• Carolyn [en]
• Varun Dhawan [en]
• Michel [en]
• Cheryl [en]
• Floella Benjamin [en]
• louise [en]
• Michelle [en]
• Nitin Gadkari [en]
• Arne Slot [en]
• Pamela [en]

Word of the day

Latest word submissions, recently viewed words, flag word/pronunciation, create a quiz.

Antithesis Definition

What is antithesis? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. For instance, Neil Armstrong used antithesis when he stepped onto the surface of the moon in 1969 and said, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." This is an example of antithesis because the two halves of the sentence mirror each other in grammatical structure, while together the two halves emphasize the incredible contrast between the individual experience of taking an ordinary step, and the extraordinary progress that Armstrong's step symbolized for the human race.

Some additional key details about antithesis:

• Antithesis works best when it is used in conjunction with parallelism (successive phrases that use the same grammatical structure), since the repetition of structure makes the contrast of the content of the phrases as clear as possible.
• The word "antithesis" has another meaning, which is to describe something as being the opposite of another thing. For example, "love is the antithesis of selfishness." This guide focuses only on antithesis as a literary device.
• The word antithesis has its origins in the Greek word antithenai , meaning "to oppose." The plural of antithesis is antitheses.

How to Pronounce Antithesis

Here's how to pronounce antithesis: an- tith -uh-sis

Antithesis and Parallelism

Often, but not always, antithesis works in tandem with parallelism . In parallelism, two components of a sentence (or pair of sentences) mirror one another by repeating grammatical elements. The following is a good example of both antithesis and parallelism:

To err is human , to forgive divine .

The two clauses of the sentence are parallel because each starts off with an infinitive verb and ends with an adjective ("human" and "divine"). The mirroring of these elements then works to emphasize the contrast in their content, particularly in the very strong opposite contrast between "human" and "divine."

Antithesis Without Parallelism

In most cases, antitheses involve parallel elements of the sentence—whether a pair of nouns, verbs, adjectives, or other grammar elements. However, it is also possible to have antithesis without such clear cut parallelism. In the Temptations Song "My Girl," the singer uses antithesis when he says:

"When it's cold outside , I've got the month of May ."

Here the sentence is clearly cut into two clauses on either side of the comma, and the contrasting elements are clear enough. However, strictly speaking there isn't true parallelism here because "cold outside" and "month of May" are different types of grammatical structures (an adjective phrase and a noun phrase, respectively).

Antithesis vs. Related Terms

Three literary terms that are often mistakenly used in the place of antithesis are juxtaposition , oxymoron , and foil . Each of these three terms does have to do with establishing a relationship of difference between two ideas or characters in a text, but beyond that there are significant differences between them.

Antithesis vs. Juxtaposition

In juxtaposition , two things or ideas are placed next to one another to draw attention to their differences or similarities. In juxtaposition, the pairing of two ideas is therefore not necessarily done to create a relationship of opposition or contradiction between them, as is the case with antithesis. So, while antithesis could be a type of juxtaposition, juxtaposition is not always antithesis.

Antithesis vs. Oxymoron

In an oxymoron , two seemingly contradictory words are placed together because their unlikely combination reveals a deeper truth. Some examples of oxymorons include:

• Sweet sorrow
• Cruel kindness
• Living dead

The focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions . While the words involved in oxymorons seem like they don't belong together (until you give them deeper thought), the words or ideas of antithesis do feel like they belong together even as they contrast as opposites. Further, antitheses seldom function by placing the two words or ideas right next to one another, so antitheses are usually made up of more than two words (as in, "I'd rather be among the living than among the dead").

Antithesis vs. Foil

Some Internet sources use "antithesis" to describe an author's decision to create two characters in a story that are direct opposites of one another—for instance, the protagonist and antagonist . But the correct term for this kind of opposition is a foil : a person or thing in a work of literature that contrasts with another thing in order to call attention to its qualities. While the sentence "the hare was fast, and the tortoise was slow" is an example of antithesis, if we step back and look at the story as a whole, the better term to describe the relationship between the characters of the tortoise and the hare is "foil," as in, "The character of the hare is a foil of the tortoise."

Antithesis Examples

Antithesis in literature.

Below are examples of antithesis from some of English literature's most acclaimed writers — and a comic book!

Antithesis in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

In the famous opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities , Dickens sets out a flowing list of antitheses punctuated by the repetition of the word "it was" at the beginning of each clause (which is itself an example of the figure of speech anaphora ). By building up this list of contrasts, Dickens sets the scene of the French Revolution that will serve as the setting of his tale by emphasizing the division and confusion of the era. The overwhelming accumulation of antitheses is also purposefully overdone; Dickens is using hyperbole to make fun of the "noisiest authorities" of the day and their exaggerated claims. The passage contains many examples of antithesis, each consisting of one pair of contrasting ideas that we've highlighted to make the structure clearer.

It was the best of times , it was the worst of times , it was the age of wisdom , it was the age of foolishness , it was the epoch of belief , it was the epoch of incredulity , it was the season of Light , it was the season of Darkness , it was the spring of hope , it was the winter of despair , we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven , we were all going direct the other way —in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

Antithesis in John Milton's Paradise Lost

In this verse from Paradise Lost , Milton's anti-hero , Satan, claims he's happier as the king of Hell than he could ever have been as a servant in Heaven. He justifies his rebellion against God with this pithy phrase, and the antithesis drives home the double contrast between Hell and Heaven, and between ruling and serving.

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.

Antithesis in William Shakespeare's Othello

As the plot of Othello nears its climax , the antagonist of the play, Iago, pauses for a moment to acknowledge the significance of what is about to happen. Iago uses antithesis to contrast the two opposite potential outcomes of his villainous plot: either events will transpire in Iago's favor and he will come out on top, or his treachery will be discovered, ruining him.

This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite .

In this passage, the simple word "either" functions as a cue for the reader to expect some form of parallelism, because the "either" signals that a contrast between two things is coming.

Antithesis in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Shakespeare's plays are full of antithesis, and so is Hamlet's most well-known "To be or not to be" soliloquy . This excerpt of the soliloquy is a good example of an antithesis that is not limited to a single word or short phrase. The first instance of antithesis here, where Hamlet announces the guiding question (" to be or not to be ") is followed by an elaboration of each idea ("to be" and "not to be") into metaphors that then form their own antithesis. Both instances of antithesis hinge on an " or " that divides the two contrasting options.

To be or not to be , that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them ...

Antithesis in T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets"

In this excerpt from his poem "Four Quartets," T.S. Eliot uses antithesis to describe the cycle of life, which is continuously passing from beginning to end, from rise to fall, and from old to new.

In my beginning is my end . In succession Houses rise and fall , crumble, are extended, Are removed, destroyed, restored, or in their place Is an open field, or a factory, or a by-pass. Old stone to new building , old timber to new fires ...

Antithesis in Green Lantern's Oath

Comic book writers know the power of antithesis too! In this catchy oath, Green Lantern uses antithesis to emphasize that his mission to defeat evil will endure no matter the conditions.

In brightest day , in blackest night , No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might Beware my power—Green lantern's light!

While most instances of antithesis are built around an "or" that signals the contrast between the two parts of the sentence, the Green Lantern oath works a bit differently. It's built around an implied "and" (to be technical, that first line of the oath is an asyndeton that replaces the "and" with a comma), because members of the Green Lantern corps are expressing their willingness to fight evil in all places, even very opposite environments.

Antithesis in Speeches

Many well-known speeches contain examples of antithesis. Speakers use antithesis to drive home the stakes of what they are saying, sometimes by contrasting two distinct visions of the future.

Antithesis in Patrick Henry's Speech to the Second Virginia Convention, 1775

This speech by famous American patriot Patrick Henry includes one of the most memorable and oft-quoted phrases from the era of the American Revolution. Here, Henry uses antithesis to emphasize just how highly he prizes liberty, and how deadly serious he is about his fight to achieve it.

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take: but as for me, give me liberty or give me death .

Antithesis in Martin Luther King Jr.'s Oberlin Commencement Address

In this speech by one of America's most well-known orators, antithesis allows Martin Luther King Jr. to highlight the contrast between two visions of the future; in the first vision, humans rise above their differences to cooperate with one another, while in the other humanity is doomed by infighting and division.

We must all learn to live together as brothers —or we will all perish together as fools .

Antithesis in Songs

In songs, contrasting two opposite ideas using antithesis can heighten the dramatic tension of a difficult decision, or express the singer's intense emotion—but whatever the context, antithesis is a useful tool for songwriters mainly because opposites are always easy to remember, so lyrics that use antithesis tend to stick in the head.

Antithesis in "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash (1981)

In this song by The Clash, the speaker is caught at a crossroads between two choices, and antithesis serves as the perfect tool to express just how confused and conflicted he is. The rhetorical question —whether to stay or to go—presents two opposing options, and the contrast between his lover's mood from one day (when everything is "fine") to the next (when it's all "black") explains the difficulty of his choice.

One day it's fine and next it's black So if you want me off your back Well, come on and let me know Should I stay or should I go ? Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble If I stay it will be double ...

Antithesis in "My Girl" by the Temptations (1965)

In this song, the singer uses a pair of metaphors to describe the feeling of joy that his lover brings him. This joy is expressed through antithesis, since the singer uses the miserable weather of a cloudy, cold day as the setting for the sunshine-filled month of May that "his girl" makes him feel inside, emphasizing the power of his emotions by contrasting them with the bleak weather.

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day When it's cold outside I've got the month of May Well I guess you'd say, What can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl Talkin' bout my girl.

Why Do Writers Use Antithesis?

Fundamentally, writers of all types use antithesis for its ability to create a clear contrast. This contrast can serve a number of purposes, as shown in the examples above. It can:

• Present a stark choice between two alternatives.
• Convey magnitude or range (i.e. "in brightest day, in darkest night" or "from the highest mountain, to the deepest valley").
• Express strong emotions.
• Create a relationship of opposition between two separate ideas.
• Accentuate the qualities and characteristics of one thing by placing it in opposition to another.

Whatever the case, antithesis almost always has the added benefit of making language more memorable to listeners and readers. The use of parallelism and other simple grammatical constructions like "either/or" help to establish opposition between concepts—and opposites have a way of sticking in the memory.

Other Helpful Antithesis Resources

• The Wikipedia page on Antithesis : A useful summary with associated examples, along with an extensive account of antithesis in the Gospel of Matthew.
• Sound bites from history : A list of examples of antithesis in famous political speeches from United States history — with audio clips!
• A blog post on antithesis : This quick rundown of antithesis focuses on a quote you may know from Muhammad Ali's philosophy of boxing: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1915 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 40,355 quotes across 1915 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play
• Climax (Figure of Speech)
• Figure of Speech
• Juxtaposition
• Parallelism
• Protagonist
• Rhetorical Question
• Rising Action
• Antanaclasis
• Internal Rhyme
• Dynamic Character
• Anachronism
• Connotation
• Alliteration
• Rhyme Scheme

• Dictionaries home
• American English
• Collocations
• German-English
• Grammar home
• Practical English Usage
• Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
• Word Lists home
• My Word Lists
• Recent additions
• Resources home
• Text Checker

Definition of antithesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Take your English to the next level

The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

What is Antithesis ?

From the Greek antitithena, meaning “to oppose” or set opposite.” Antithesis is a powerful writing tool that sets two opposing or contrasting works, phrases, or ideas against each other.  It juxtaposes two contrasting ideas against each other in what is commonly referred to as a parallel sentence. An example of what this means is,  “Go big or go home.” Note how in this common example, two contrasting ideas are set in opposition creating a balanced, rhythmic sentence. And if in doubt, always remember that its name may be intimidating but, antithesis is a remarkably easy tool to master.

How to pronounce Antithesis ?

When do writers use antithesis .

Writers use Antithesis to make their writing more memorable by creating rhythmic structure. The juxtapositions of opposing ideas also make writing more believable or authoritative. Antithesis is a rhetorical device that allows writers to create a rhetorical effect and elicit an emotional response in readers. But remember:

 Use antithesis to create contrast . Ideally, you want to use opposites to create contrast. However, you will find that you can often get away with contrasting “implied” opposites.

Use antithesis to create parallel structure as in the example, “Go big or go home.” Parallel structure creates

The 3 Golden Rules

• Focus on Contrast.
• Read your writing out loud.
• Use antithesis sparingly (unless you’re Robert Frost and kind of a poetic genius).

Antithesis in Literature 📚

Literature is ripe with examples of antithesis. Two of its most famous kings will always be William Shakespeare and William Blake. Please note the examples below:

• “To be, or not to be: that is the question” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
• “Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav’n” – John Milton, Paradise Lost
• “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” – William Shakespeare, Macbeth
• “The path of excess leads to the palace of wisdom” – William Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Antithesis in Children Literature 🧸

• “The more you give, the more you get” – Dr. Seuss , The Cat in the Hat
• “Where the sidewalk ends, the grass begins” – Shel Silverstein, “ Where the Sidewalk Ends ”
•  “The more things change, the more they stay the same” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Antithesis in Songs 🎧

“You say yes, I say no” (But really the entire song) –  The Beatles, “Hello, Goodbye”

Antithesis in Poetry ✍🏽

Always a personal favorite of those who favor antithesis, Robert Frost, “ Fire and Ice ”

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

“Good we must love, and must hate ill,” – John Donne, “ Community ”

“To err is human, to forgive divine” – Alexander Pope “ An Essay on Criticism ”

Antithesis in Movie Dialogue 🎥

• The Dark Knight (2008): “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
• The Lion King (1994): “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it”
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994): “Get busy living or get busy dying”
• Forrest Gump (1994): “Stupid is as stupid does”

Antithesis Throughout History

• “Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit.” –  Aristotle
• “Folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” – Abraham Lincoln
•  “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
•  “Unlike short-sighted, egocentric humans, God ‘sees with equal eye’ the fall of a hero and a sparrow, the destruction of an atom or a solar system.” – Alexander Pope

Often Mistaken for … 👥

Juxtaposition – The act or instance of placing two things side-by-side. This does not mean opposites or in contrast or even in comparison. It simply means placing them next to each other, “juxtaposed.” Example: Night , day; light, dark; good, evil; or holiday, break. Note that in these examples, the words are placed next to each other with no other information. That is juxtaposition . Oxymoron – A figure of speech that combines words with opposite meaning into new words with a new meaning. Example: virtual + reality = “virtual reality”.

What is antithesis in literature?

Antithesis is a literary device that juxtaposes opposing or contrasting ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. This contrast of ideas is used to highlight differences, emphasize a point, or create a stark distinction between two concepts, enhancing the text’s rhetorical effect.

How does antithesis enhance a text?

Antithesis enhances a text by creating a clear contrast that can make arguments more persuasive and memorable. It emphasizes the difference between two ideas, making the message more striking and engaging for the reader. The parallel structure often used with antithesis also adds a rhythmic and balanced quality to the writing.

Can antithesis be found in both poetry and prose?

Yes, antithesis can be found in both poetry and prose. In poetry, it contributes to the poem’s aesthetic and thematic depth. In prose, especially in speeches and persuasive writing, it is used to articulate strong contrasts and make arguments more compelling.

Why do speakers and writers use antithesis?

Speakers and writers use antithesis to clarify complex ideas by contrasting them with their opposites, making the distinctions clearer to the audience. This device is effective in persuasion, as the stark comparison between opposing ideas can influence readers’ or listeners’ opinions and emotions, making the message more impactful.

How can I identify antithesis in a text?

To identify antithesis, look for sentences or phrases where two opposing ideas are presented in a parallel manner, often within the same sentence or in adjacent sentences. This device is characterized by a clear and contrasting relationship between the ideas, emphasized by similar grammatical structures.

How to Use Antithesis in Your Writing (With Examples)

Antithesis is a rhetorical device that's often misunderstood, even by writing professionals. It may be tempting to avoid using it in your writing, but there are many reasons why you should give it another look, including the following 10 reasons to use antithesis figures of speech in your writing.

Antithesis: Why You Should Use It In Your Writing

Antithesis creates a clear contrast.

An antithesis figure of speech creates a clear contrast between two opposite ideas. The important thing to keep in mind is that both ideas need to be logically connected and make sense together.

One of the most common examples of an antithesis is the juxtaposition between life and death, where one would represent the world as we know it, while the other represents what follows it. Another example is that of light and darkness; they are both contrasting concepts, but they still connect in some way because they are opposites.

Antithesis highlights contradictions

Antithesis is the use of words that are opposite or contrasting in meaning. For example, to be or not to be. Antithesis is used in writing to create a dramatic effect.

Contrary to what you might think, an antithetical statement can enhance a passage instead of detracting from it. It helps to show two sides of an argument and bring balance to your writing.

Effective use of antithesis figures of speech will also bring out the nuances in your subject matter and make it easier for readers to understand your point. The classic example of this technique is found in Hamlet’s famous line to be or not to be; this juxtaposition highlights how we all have a choice about life and death.

Antithesis adds rhythm to your writing

When you're writing, it's easy to fall into a rhythm of saying the same thing over and over again. But by adding antithesis in your writing, you can add rhythm that'll make your text more interesting. Antithesis is when you say the opposite of what you just said, or contrast one idea with another.

An example of an antithesis figure of speech would be I'm not hungrily followed by I'm starving. The two sentences are contrasting ideas which will likely keep your reader engaged because they don't know what to expect next.

Here are some other antithesis figure of speech examples in common phrases: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, the exception proves the rule, don't shoot the messenger. The use of antithesis has several benefits to your writing including keeping readers interested and reinforcing the meaning behind certain phrases. Adding this type of contrast in your writing can be very beneficial for making a point clear.

Antithesis makes your writing more memorable

It has been proven time and time again that people are more likely to remember something if it's in a form that contrasts with what they've already heard. You can use antithesis in your writing by presenting two opposing ideas or concepts and letting the reader decide which one they believe is right.

Consider these two sentences of antithesis figure of speech examples : We should have left hours ago and It's too late to leave now. The first sentence tells readers that they should have left long ago, while the second sentence tells them there is no point in leaving since it's too late. Antithesis can be used for all sorts of things, from metaphors to titles.

Antithesis can help you make a persuasive argument

An antithesis is a sentence, phrase, or word that contrasts with the previous one. For example, He was strong and brave versus He was weak. Antitheses are a great way to add power to your argument by making it more persuasive.

One common use of an antithesis is in the famous quote from John F Kennedy's inaugural address: Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. The first part of this statement is a request for help, while the second part has a much more powerful tone of asking people to contribute their talents.

When we hear these words, we know that JFK wants us to get up off our couches and participate in life - whether as a citizen or volunteers. What better way to make an impact than through your writing?

A good rule of thumb is never to have two statements the same, which means finding some way of contrasting them (e.g., no quotes should be used twice). However, don't worry if this seems like too much work - just reading over what you've written will probably be enough to come up with some opposites.

Antithesis can be used to create a dramatic effect

An antithesis is a sentence, phrase, or clause that contrasts with another. One of the most common types of antitheses is those that compare two different things.

For antithesis figure of speech examples , some people who are too proud to say they're sorry could be compared to some people who are humble enough to say they're sorry. Antitheses can also be used as a way to show contrast like he was quick and agile as opposed to he was slow and clumsy. By using an antithesis in your writing you can create a dramatic effect, show contrast, or even make an argument.

Antithesis can help you clarify your ideas

When you use antithesis, you are creating an inherent contradiction that adds a certain level of complexity to your writing. This can be done by placing two words, phrases, or clauses next to one another that are opposites.

One antithesis figure of speech example of this is the phrase out with the old and in with the new. Antitheses can also be created by contrasting ideas, colors, nouns, pronouns, or verbs. The effect can help you clarify your thoughts and make your writing more interesting for readers. Examples include Jane walking down the street and Joe running down the street; blue is cold while red is warm; we want them to do it while they don't want us to tell them what to do.

Take these five sentences, I'm not angry anymore, said John after drinking some tea. I'm very calm, he added when he noticed her worried expression. That's good, she responded as she reached over and patted his hand. These sentences would read better if they were paired with their antithesis: I'm not angry anymore, said John after drinking some tea. I'm very mad! he added when he noticed her worried expression. That's bad, she responded as she reached over and slapped his hand.

Antithesis can make your writing more concise

An antithesis is a figure of speech that is used to create balance or contrast between two opposing ideas. The two opposite ideas are set next to each other to show their differences and similarities.

Antitheses can make your writing more concise by adding a second idea that clarifies the original one. They can also be used to build up the suspense because they make the reader want to know what the contrasting idea is.

Antitheses are most often used in dialogue and prose, but they can be used in poetry as well. One thing to keep in mind when using an antithesis is not to use it too often. As with any technique, overusing it will take away from its power and effectiveness.

A good antithesis figure of speech example of an effective use of an antithesis comes from Anne Frank's diary: How on earth have people come so far, yet learned so little?

Antithesis can add emphasis

Antithesis is a rhetorical technique in which two words, phrases, clauses, or sentences contrast in meaning. This is done to add emphasis to the point that is being made. For example, The world is round can be contrasted with The world is flat.

When using an antithesis in your writing you can bring out the point you're trying to make and give it more weight by contrasting it with another idea. Using antithesis can help add emphasis because when you use one word or phrase and then it's the opposite, this sets up a clear relationship between these two concepts.

Using antithesis can make your writing more interesting

One of the best ways to make your writing more interesting is to use antithesis. Antitheses are opposites that are put together in a sentence. They can be used as a rhetorical device or for emphasis. There are many types of antitheses, but we will focus on the most common one, which is called verbal antithesis.

Verbal antitheses can be defined as words and phrases placed in pairs to contrast their meanings and create an effect of balance and harmony between them. A famous example of this is from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet where he has these lines: What light through yonder window breaks?

Antithesis in Your Writing: Ways to Make Your Words Work Harder for You

Antithesis is the best tool you can use to make your writing work harder and get noticed. What exactly is antithesis? Here’s an example: Many people are afraid of heights, but I would love to stand on top of Mount Everest just so I could have bragging rights. In the above sentence, it’s clear that mountain top and bragging rights are opposites, so both are used as examples of antithesis in writing (the first one uses spatial opposites, and the second one uses verbal opposites). But what about this sentence?

1) Start with a strong thesis

Since you are reading this sentence, I'm going to assume that you have a basic understanding of what an antithesis is. Now let's break down the definition and explore some ways that we can use it as a rhetorical device.

Antitheses are used when two opposite ideas or statements are presented together, typically to make a point or strengthen an argument. When we use antithesis, the two contrasting parts of our sentence are balanced against each other, which is why it is often referred to as the figure of balance.

The word antithesis comes from the Greek language meaning opposite and has been used by many well-known writers throughout history including Shakespeare and Aristotle.

2) Introduce your topic

Antithesis is the juxtaposition of two contrasting or opposing words, phrases, clauses, or sentences within a sentence or phrase. Some examples of antithetical pairs include peace and war, strong and weak, and life and death. The use of this rhetorical device emphasizes one side of the pair while diminishing the other.

Antithesis is often used as a literary device in poetry, prose, and other forms of writing. It can also be used to emphasize an idea, which can lead to varying interpretations of the meaning. For example, consider these two sentences:

• No matter how hard you work, you'll never be good enough.
• However hard you work, you will never be good enough!

3) Introduce your antithesis

An antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two ideas or concepts. When it's done well, it can make your writing more powerful by adding an element of contrast, irony, or surprise. This post will provide you with examples of what an antithesis looks like and how you can implement it into your writing. Let's get started!

First, let's look at the following sentence: I love working at this job. It sounds great on its face. However, consider the following sentence where the same idea is given as an antithesis: I hate working at this job. Now it's a little less pleasant and could use some context as to why this person feels so strongly about their current job.

What if I told you that they had been harassed? What if they work long hours for very low pay? That would give you additional information about why someone might hate their current job but still want to do it out of necessity.

4) Develop your ideas

The word antithesis comes from the Greek words anti, meaning against or opposite of, and thesis, meaning position, proposition, or opinion.

Antithesis means a juxtaposition of two opposing thoughts. It's a rhetorical device that uses contrast to create emphasis. Antithesis is like a yin-yang symbol, with each side balancing out the other side.

Antithesis can be used as either a synonym or antonym. For example, if you want to emphasize one quality over another, you might use antithesis by pairing it with its opposite; such as dark and light. This type of antithetical contrast is called chiastic antithesis.

5) Use concrete examples

• Create a stark contrast
• Create emphasis
• Clarify thoughts
• Show the duality of a situation
• Increase dramatic tension
• Emphasize an idea or emotion by juxtaposing it with its opposite

6) Be clear and concise

An antithesis is a contrasting idea that creates a balance within a sentence. It can be used effectively when there are two opposing ideas, but the contrasting idea is not simply the opposite of the original idea. Antitheses can also be used as one of many other rhetorical devices, such as anaphora or personification. Here are some examples of antithesis at work:

The father was generous with his time and money. The father was stingy with his time and money. She loved her job. She hated her job. They were sitting on their hands. They were dancing their fingers off. Here's what I have found, he said, shoving all of his papers in front of me. Take your pick! There's something for every type of student here!

My hand shoots out instinctively, grabbing my assignment from him. He offers no resistance, though it must be clear from my expression that I don't want this paper. There is nothing on it but meaningless scribbles. No instructions, no questions, and nothing at all to help me understand what it is supposed to do for me.

I glance up through narrowed eyes and see him watching me carefully—as if waiting for something—but I am too angry now to figure out what it might be. So I drop the assignment back onto the table and stalk away without another word.

7) Use simple language

What is Antithesis? The definition of Antithesis is the direct opposite or contrast. What does this mean? This means that you are using two different ideas, words, phrases, etc. together to create a more powerful meaning.

How do you use Antithesis? Here are some examples of Antithesis that you can use in your writing. In these sentences, we have put an example sentence with antithesis first and then followed it with another sentence without antithesis. He was alone but not lonely. He was lonely but not alone. He felt hopeless yet confident. He felt confident yet hopeless.

8 )Avoid clichés

A cliché is a phrase that is so overused and tired that it has lost its meaning. Here are some examples of clichés and how you can avoid them: Just do it. Instead say, Don't just sit around waiting. - You're never too old to learn. Instead say, Age is just a number. - He's a diamond in the rough. Say, I see potential here. Or He has a lot of untapped talent. Think about using contrast: Contrast means comparing two things or ideas side-by-side to emphasize their differences. If someone is poor, for example, then he might be very rich somewhere else. If he loves his job one day but hates it the next day, the contrast will highlight the changes in his emotions. Example sentences:

• Poverty exists in every corner of our country.
• It's hard when you're rich one day but poor another day.

9) Edit and proofread your work

There are many ways you can use antithesis to spice up your writing. The most common is contrasting two different words or phrases, but there are also plenty of other ways that you can use this literary device. Below, you'll find a list of a few examples and some tips on how to use them.

Contrasting two words or phrases using opposites, such as up-down or black-white. This is probably the most common way people use antithetical language and it's easy to see why; the contrast makes readers pause and thinks about what was said before continuing with the sentence. A quick example would be The green trees swaying in the wind.

One could quickly assume that this is because they're blowing in the wind, but if we add a little more information by saying The green trees swayed gently back and forth, then we know that they're not just swaying due to strong winds.

A good rule of thumb when choosing which words or phrases to use when doing this type of comparison is to pick ones that have opposite meanings from each other. If you want to say something like I love cake while still contrasting two things, then say I love cake more than I love bread. It doesn't always need to be an opposing word though;

10) Follow the rules of grammar

An antithesis is a rhetorical device that presents two contrasting ideas, usually through the use of parallelism. It has been used extensively throughout literary history and can be found in many different forms of writing. Antitheses are typically introduced with a coordinating conjunction such as but, yet, or however. They also often contain one or more correlating conjunctions such as although or nevertheless.

In this sentence, the antithesis is introduced with the conjunctions but and yet: Yet we should not forget his contributions.

In this sentence, the antithesis is introduced with the conjunctions however and nevertheless: However difficult it may seem, you will have to carry on.

Antithesis means the placing of contrasting ideas together, especially as a rhetorical device. If you're not quite sure what it means or how to use it, don't worry! That's what this article is for! By the time you're finished reading, you'll know all about antithesis in your writing and have even learned some cool ways to incorporate it into your style.

SoME develop and delivers impactful transformative Communication programs for the 21st-century post-pandemic workplace.  We strongly believe effective, assertive, and empathetic Communication skills will enable our learners to present themselves confidently, manage conflicts betters, collaborate capably, and become tomorrow's competent professionals and leaders.

We offer a range of programs that include: Inbound Sales Training; Email Marketing for Beginners; Persuasive Communication Techniques for Managers; Presentation Skills for IT Professionals; Social Media Strategies for Small Businesses; Public Speaking for Introverts etc.

Our mission is simple—we want to make a difference in people's lives by helping them develop communication skills that will help them be more successful both personally and professionally.

How do you use antithesis in writing?

Incorporating antithesis into your writing will make it more powerful. Antithesis is the act of juxtaposing two opposite or contrasting words, phrases, clauses, or sentences within a sentence. This technique creates emphasis on the meaning and can be used to show irony or emphasize a point.

What are antithesis and its examples?

When you're writing, it's important to use antithesis or the act of putting two opposing ideas together.

This can be done through contrast in words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. It can also be done through an oppositional sentence structure. Here are some examples of antithesis that make your writing more powerful and engaging!

What is an antithesis in writing?

An antithesis is a sentence that contrasts an idea with its opposite. It's usually used as the second half of a sentence. When you use antitheses, you can make your words work harder and make your writing more interesting. Here are some examples of how you might use an antithesis in your writing:

• I've never been more lost than when I found myself on the road less traveled.
• A man who was once very wise now lives as if he knows nothing at all.

Recent Blogs

What is Social Learning Theory? How to Adopt It in The Workplace

Explore the transformative power of social learning theory in the OB. If you're curious about what social learning theory is and how it can revolutionize your workplace,...

Why Are Employees Your Greatest Asset and How to Mentor Them

In the dynamic landscape of modern businesses, employees are the most valuable asset of any organisation. Their skills, knowledge, creativity, and dedication fuel an organisation's...

Dealing with difficult employees: An employer's guide

In any workplace, you're likely to encounter a variety of personalities and work styles. While most employees are cooperative and contribute positively to the team, there may be in...

How to stop being self-conscious: Strategies to feel more confident

In a world where self-confidence reigns supreme, it's all too easy to feel self-conscious. But what does it really mean to be self-conscious?And why does it have such a profound im...

How to prepare your team to handle negotiations?

In the dynamic business world, the ability to negotiate effectively and deliver persuasive pitches can be the key differentiator between triumph and failure. Whether you're seeking...

Effective Communication skills can improve your self-confidence and boost career growth

In today's fast-paced and competitive professional world, self-confidence is a valuable asset that can significantly impact your career growth and success. Whether you're seeking a...

Difference between KRA and KPI

In the realm of performance management and goal setting, the terms KRA (Key Result Area) and KPI (Key Performance Indicator) are frequently used, but they serve distinct purposes i...

What is the difference between a boss and a leader?

In the world of management and leadership, the terms "boss" and "leader" are often used interchangeably. However, they represent distinct approaches to managing and inspiring a tea...

How to interview for a job when you have no work experience?

Landing your first job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when you lack work experience. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can ace your job int...

9 steps for improving collaboration between teams

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, effective team collaboration is more critical than ever. Whether you're in a traditional office, a remote team, or a hybrid work environment,...

How being intentional can advance your career?

In a world filled with constant distractions and fast-paced living, the concept of being intentional stands out as a beacon of purpose and direction. But what does it mean to...

How to improve your problem solving skills?

Problem solving is a critical skill that permeates various aspects of life, from personal challenges to professional endeavors. The ability to tackle issues, make decisions, and fi...

Complete Guide to Debating: Improve your Debating Skills

In the world of communication and persuasion, mastering the art of debate is a skill that can truly set you apart. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone who w...

Experimentation brings innovation: An experimental workplace

Experimentation is the lifeblood of innovation, breathing new life into stagnant routines and sparking transformative ideas. Organisations that embrace a culture of experimentation...

How to Build a Healthy Workplace Environment?

In today's highly competitive work landscape, the importance of cultivating a healthy workplace environment cannot be overstated. A positive work environment not only contributes t...

How Would You Define Success?

Success, a word that carries different meanings for different individuals, is a universal aspiration.The concept of what is success in life has captivated minds for centuries, fuel...

Why is Networking Important

The importance of networking has never been more evident. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, building and nurturing a strong professional network can be t...

Guide to Choosing a Successful Speech Topic

Effective communication skills have become more crucial in today's rapidly changing world. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone simply looking to enhance your publi...

The Importance of Storytelling in Business, with Examples

In the dynamic world of business, where information is abundant, and attention spans are fleeting, storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool that captivates audiences and leaves...

10 Best Practices for Giving a Remote Presentation

After COVID, with more companies embracing the WFH hybrid model of working, virtual presentations have become a fundamental part of professional communication. Whether you're an ex...

Your success. Powered by the Six Cs.

Knowledge centre.

Copyright © School Of Meaningful Experiences private limited, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Terms of Use | Sitemap

Chat with us now

Your account has been created.

Join our team

Interact with our admission team, download brochure.

OTP has been sent, Please check your E-mail

Resend OTP in:

Verify Your Details

• Literary Terms

How to Use Antithesis

• Definition & Examples

Because antithesis is such a complex rhetorical device, and so intimately tied to the meaning of specific sentences, it’s best not to set out with a plan of using it, especially in research papers or more technical writing.  Instead, simply let the antitheses appear where they naturally do. Since they emphasize a particular point or conclusion, they can be used in everything from poetry and prose, to speech and advertising.  But if you try to force antithesis into your writing, you risk distorting what you mean to say, or at least making it muddier.

Instead of practicing antithesis directly, you can try using parallel structure , which will often result in the creation of very effective antithesis – but only when that’s what your meaning requires.

Parallel structure is the use of the same word types and grammatical structures in two parts of a sentence. For example:

• Structure: “ you”-verb-preposition-noun
• Structure: verb-“the”-noun
• Structure: verb-“me”-“a”-noun

None of the above examples is an antithesis. However, they are all sentences that use parallel structure. Next, let’s look at some examples of parallel structure that are also examples of antithesis:

• Structure: imperative verb-“the”-noun
• Structure: adjective-“fish in a”-adjective-“pond”
• Structure: adjective-“in”-pl. noun

In addition to their parallel structure, these examples also have reversed ideas – that’s why they’re all examples of antithesis.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

Baby Reindeer creator asks fans to stop hunting down the real people from the Netflix show

Baby Reindeer, the Netflix limited series from comedian Richard Gadd, has become an unlikely hit for the streaming service. In two weeks on the platform the series racked up 52,800,000 hours watched. It's currently the most watched TV title globally.

Warning: This article discusses trauma, mental illness and spoilers for Baby Reindeer.

The true story is centred around struggling comedian Donny Dunn (a narrative stand-in for Gadd) who enters into a tangled relationship with Martha, a stalker who would end up sending him 40,000 emails and leaving hundreds of hours of voice messages over a few years.

Critically, Baby Reindeer is being praised for how skilfully it unpacks trauma and prods uncomfortably at the audience's need for an evil villain and a perfect victim.

But in the short time since the series release, online sleuths have launched a mission to find the "real Martha" without regard for the living people behind the unbelievable true story.

It's gotten so bad that Gadd took to his Instagram story to request fans stop their speculation.

What is Baby Reindeer about?

Baby Reindeer begins with a kind gesture. Donny is working in a pub while waiting to strike gold with his comedy. Martha (Jessica Gunning) comes in one day with ruddy cheeks and a big smile, but not enough money to afford a drink. Donny makes her tea on the house and thus starts a warped and sometimes physically dangerous connection between two people.

Martha starts coming into the pub every day to tell Donny fantastical lies about her career as a lawyer to the stars. She lavishes attention on Donny that is not entirely rejected. Martha begins to send Donny dozens of emails a day, they take a darkly sexual turn after Donny is peer pressured into lewd banter by his brash workmates.

For seven episodes Donny and Martha continue their disturbing dance, with the former always insisting he demands distance. But whether by a sense of guilty sympathy or a need for adoration, Donny keeps Martha revolving around his unsatisfying life.

At the same time Donny is grappling with uncomfortable emotions that arise when he begins dating Teri (Nava Mau), a trans woman.

Donny's decisions that keep Martha around while also alienating Teri seem baffling, until you arrive at episode four. Through flashbacks we see Donny's first trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, an event that's notorious for making and breaking comedians in the industry.

With bracing honesty and using Donny as a proxy, Gadd shares that he was groomed and repeatedly sexually assaulted by a powerful man that promised him the keys to the industry.

The rest of the series revolves around Donny finally removing himself from Martha's grasp and also coming to grips with the trauma lying in his past.

Is Baby Reindeer a true story?

Yes, but with a caveat. Gadd did indeed deal with an older woman who stalked him for a period of six years, leaving him 41,071 emails, 744 tweets and 350 hours of voicemails.

Gadd used this as inspiration for his 2019 one-man show of the same name, which was so critically and commercially successful that it was set for a run in the London West End before COVID ruined the plan.

Gadd told Variety that Baby Reindeer is "emotionally 100% true" but that characters had been altered for legal reasons.

The comedian expanded on these comments to GQ , saying that such lengths had been taken to disguise Martha, her real life counterpart wouldn't recognise herself.

Gadd also pulled on his 2016 show Monkey See, Monkey Do where he first detailed the experience of his grooming and assaults while running on a treadmill trying to escape an invisible monkey. It won the Edinburgh Festival Award for Best Comedy Show that year.

Trauma shared with millions

In his promotion of the show, Gadd has gone to great lengths to explain that Baby Reindeer is not a black-and-white cautionary tale or a "victim narrative".

"I think art is quite interesting when you don't know who you are on the side of. I wanted it to be layered, and I wanted it to capture the human experience," he told Netflix.

"The human experience is that people are good, but they have bits of bad and they make mistakes."

Clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Ahona Guha says that narrative depictions of trauma like Baby Reindeer can allow survivors to reckon with their own experiences.

"It can be a way of finding solidarity and learning from other people who have experienced and survived the same thing," Dr Guna says.

"We all need mirrors for ourselves, and media depictions can support this process."

Dr Guna says that Baby Reindeer nailed "the fear, hyper vigilance and anxiety" that come from being stalked and the mind frame of someone who feels compelled to stalk.

"While we didn't learn too much about Martha's backstory and her mental health difficulties it provided a compelling view into the way in which mental illness — such as erotomaniac beliefs, or the delusion that someone loves you — can drive offending behaviours," she says.

But there are ethical concerns when broadcasting such a story to a mass audience.

"As a psychologist, I would always be concerned about things like identification, ensuring a sensitive and accurate portrayal and not presenting mental illness, trauma or victimisation as a joke or light entertainment," Dr Guna says.

Hunting down 'the Real Martha'

At the time of writing, if you plug Baby Reindeer into Google Trends three names will pop up as the top searches from the last week.

They are all women that numerous social media users have identified as "the real Martha". Multiple TikToks with millions of views and tens of thousands of likes dredge up old tweets and court cases to validate their finger pointing.

"I suspect this is driven by a desire to know more and simple unchecked curiosity, or a misplaced desire for retribution without recognition that the destabilisation caused to someone by being hunted down like this might be quite profound," Dr Guha says.

This kind of complete blame is in direct antithesis to the sympathy Baby Reindeer affords Martha even as she commits abhorrent acts. At one point after assisting a freezing and disoriented Martha home, Donny clocks the grubby law degree attached to the fridge in Martha's festering hovel. It's a heart wrenching indicator of a promising life derailed by illness and a confirmation that Martha is also suffering.

"There's nothing to be gained and no further answers to be elicited from the real Martha, and it's ethically very problematic if people try to track her down," Dr Guna says.

"It's important to recognise that these are real lives being portrayed here, and to treat this with dignity, instead of as simple entertainment."

But it's not just the real Martha the internet desperately seeks, it's the real Teri and the real Darrian, the high-profile figure that assaulted Gadd in real life. Internet detectives soon falsely accused British director Sean Foley of being the real life Darrian. The accusations got so strong that Gadd had to publicly dispel the rumours.

"Please don't speculate on who any of the real life people could be. That's not the point of our show," Gadd shared to his Instagram stories.

Hours later Foley confirmed that police were investigating the "defamatory, abusive and threatening posts" made about him.

Dr Guna says that humans have a bias to split things into "good" and "bad" and when people perpetrate offences it's tempting to write them off as wholly evil.

"The reality is that offending happens for a wide range of reasons and many of us would behave in a similar way in the right confluence of circumstances," she says.

"Believing that a perpetrator is somehow 'bad' and fatally flawed allows us to separate from our own faults and flaws and gives us an illusory sense of safety and comfort.

"We tend to forget that people can be victims and perpetrators, and that many people who hurt others have been hurt themselves in a range of ways."

In an essay written for Netflix , Gadd expresses the fear he felt when he was first performing Baby Reindeer for live audiences. He worried that people wouldn't believe him, would say he encouraged Martha, that his sexual assault wouldn't be seen as 'valid' but feedback confirmed that crowds were as morally confused and moved by his story as he was.

"All I ever wanted to do was capture something complicated about the human condition," Gadd says.

"That we all make mistakes.That no person is ever good or bad. That we are all lost souls looking for love in our own weird way."

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Arts, Culture and Entertainment
• Mental Health

Ohio is so backwards. Curiosity has flown out the window.

Why is Ohio so backwards?

How did we get here ? How did Ohio become such a backward thinking state?

Watching committee hearings on "The Ohio Channel" I was able to hear and see a committee member actually ask fo r scientific proof of climate change. 

My concern is with Ohio as a state with any number of universities and Ohio State University just blocks away, we voted in people too lazy or backward to get firsthand information. 

Now I hope and pray. Donald Trump has destroyed the Ohio I knew.

The same can be said for the carbon capture and trans student laws. 

Are none of these people curious enough about life to ask an expert or visit a research lab? 

The country is full of labs who are not pawns of industry. 

If you are not educated, go ask. Anyone can ask questions. But don't just believe the one who makes you feel good.

Jim Clark, Worthington

Why should I pay for your education?

President Joe Biden's recommendation to eliminate student debt sounds like a great idea, especially if you are a college student with debt.

It is funny how all these years no one thought, "hey, why should we have to pay for our college education?" Not until Biden ran for office and felt this might be a good way to win an election.

College is not free.

What to know: Biden's latest student-loan forgiveness plan brings questions for borrowers.

The professors need to get paid; the costs of maintaining the programs and buildings do not come cheap.

If we eliminate student debt how will we be able to keep our colleges going with no income?

Oh, that's right, the federal government will subsidize everything. Wrong!

The only way the government subsidizes is by taxing.

Now why would I want to pay for someone else's education when I have already paid for mine and my children?

Think about it.

Bary Alan Leeman, Bexley

What do you think? How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

No longer proud to be a Buckeye

After Columbia, Yale and, recently, Harvard’s stand against pro-Palestinian protesters camping on campus grounds and University of Southern California's racist stand to rescind the well-earned valedictorian address by Asna Tabassum, comes Ohio State University president’s threat and warning to the would-be protesters in his backyard.

Like the administrators of USC and Ivy League colleges, he, too, is using the dog whistle of ‘campus safety and security’ concern. 

OSU "Will not compromise.' Ohio State president on safety as campuses face Gaza war protests

Do these protesters usually come armed, intent on vandalizing the school property, hurting and harming university personnel or campus police?

They only wish to highlight the plight of people in Gaza. Thanks to the total complicity of the Biden administration in Israel’s war with Hamas, so far more than 34,000 people have been killed, two-thirds of whom are children and women.

Through its president’s letter, Ohio State has chosen to join other schools trying to muzzle the voices on the campus against the genocide in Gaza. It mirrors the attitude of mainstream American media, which have chosen to shun pro-Palestinian guests but have no qualms in welcoming pro-Israelis who shamelessly drum the justification of carnage in Gaza.

I was proud to be part of OSU (1991-1994) and that two of my three children are Ohio State alums.

Not anymore.

Shame on OSU and its president for taking anti-student and anti-free speech stand behind pathetic and flimsy garb of safety and security. This is the antithesis of an educational entity in a free world.

Abdul-Majeed Azad, Columbus

Patriotism, loyalty to America key

Our politicians say our immigration problem requires comprehensive legislation.

History proves that we had an immigration process that would significantly reduce current border invasion and the anti-American sentiment that is so prevalent. 

More: My generation is being raised to hate America — it’s time to stand up for our history

The requirements for entry, immigration, and naturalization in effect from 1795-1956 required a “ declarant” to pledge under oath to renounce all allegiance to any foreign governments and become a loyal U.S. citizen.

This was known as a declaration of intention. The declaration of intention was eliminated in 1956.

 In addition, residence required for citizenship went from two years to five years and required ". . . three years before admission as citizens, to uphold, support and defend the Constitution, to bear arms as required by law against all enemies, foreign and domestic." This was known as the Oath of Allegiance.

There are more than 1 0 million people living illegally in our country who have never executed a Declaration of Intention or pledged an Oath of Allegiance.

Patriotism and loyalty to America and its founding ideals has been waning as the number of people seeking to enter the United States illegally continues to rise.

Kent Johnson, Columbus

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Volkswagen ‘the first domino to fall’ after union vote, says UAW president

Shawn Fain tells the Guardian he expects ‘more of the same to come’ after celebrating union’s historic victory at Tennessee plant

After celebrating his union’s historic victory at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee , Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, told the Guardian that he was confident of more unionization wins at auto plants across the US, saying: “The workers at VW are the first domino to fall.

“They have shown it is possible,” Fain added in an interview on Sunday evening. “I expect more of the same to come. Workers are fed up.”

The three-day unionization vote at Volkswagen ended last Friday, with the union winning overwhelmingly, 2,628 to 985 – the first time workers at a foreign-owned auto plant in the south have unionized. It was the world’s only non-union VW plant. The vote in Chattanooga was the first union vote in the UAW’s ambitious $40m campaign targeting 13 automakers, including VW, Mercedes, Tesla, BMW, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai, with a total of 35 non-union plants across the US.

The UAW’s next scheduled unionization vote will be at the Mercedes plant in Vance, Alabama, where 5,000 workers will vote 13-17 May. Mercedes has been considerably more outspoken against the union than VW was, with a top Mercedes official telling workers: “I don’t believe the UAW can help us to be better.”

Fain voiced great confidence about winning at Mercedes despite the company’s anti-union efforts. “At the end of the day, I believe that workers at Mercedes definitely want a union,” he said, “and I believe a big majority there will vote in favor.”

At Mercedes, rank-and-file workers, not UAW officials, have taken the lead in organizing the plant. “Workers at Mercedes have literally run this campaign with very little help from us,” Fain said. “They wanted it that way. It’s great to see those workers feeling their power and being able to exercise their power.”

He scoffed at attacks from corporate executives and southern politicians that the UAW is a third party. He said that the union was its members, not an outside group, and that it was the companies that bring in third parties – outside consultants who spread anti-union information.

“The employees aren’t fooled by the companies’ tricks any more,” Fain said. “It’s the same tactics companies use every time. Workers have seen it repeatedly. I believe the workers are ready. They know the companies will continue to use fear and continue to use politicians as their surrogates using fear.”

In the Guardian interview, Fain fired back at the governors of six southern states who had condemned the UAW’s campaign, saying it was “driven by misinformation”. “They’re liars. The people who are doing the misleading are them,” Fain said. “These politicians are showing that they’re just puppets for corporate America, and they don’t give a damn about working-class people. They don’t care about the workers being left behind even though the workers are the ones who elect them.”

Fain was palpably angry that the Republican governors of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas had issued a joint letter denouncing the UAW as “special interests looking to come into our state and threaten our jobs”. Fain said the governors were the ones “wrecking the economy because they don’t care about working people having a decent wage. It’s working-class people who move the economy.” He added that the governors’ “economy is the economy of the billionaire class and corporate class where they take all the profits, and the workers get left behind”.

In a celebratory meeting with the VW workers in Chattanooga late on Friday night and in his interview with the Guardian, Fain said the VW workers now needed to focus on bargaining a first union contract. “I expect good things to happen for the VW workers,” he said. “We want to use the big three contracts as our framework.” He added that VW’s workers would play a big role in formulating “a list of demands” for the contract talks.

Fain acknowledged that unionizing Tesla might prove especially difficult, considering how fiercely anti-union Elon Musk is. “Elon’s extreme hostility to unions tells us about who he is,” Fain said. “He’s a billionaire who’s more concerned about ego and building rockets and flying to the moon than about taking care of the people who enabled him to do that, the people who create Tesla’s profits.”

Fain acknowledged that Musk “will probably be a lot more hostile” to a union drive than other CEOs. “At the end of the day, it’s the workers’ choice. It’s not Elon Musk’s choice,” he said. “As we continue to organize more and more companies, that makes it more and more inevitable that it [unionizing Tesla] is going to happen. We’re going to continue to show up and assist workers who want justice and better treatment on the job.”

Asked what Joe Biden should do to attract union members’ votes, Fain said: “He has to continue doing what he’s been doing, which is supporting workers in their fights.” Fain praised Biden for becoming the first sitting president to walk a union picket line – Biden joined a UAW picket line in Michigan last September when the union was on strike against Detroit’s big three automakers. He also praised Biden for making it easier to unionize EV battery plants.

Fain criticized Donald Trump’s stance on EVs. Trump has warned that Biden’s plans to expand EV sales could be a bloodbath for the US economy and a boon for Chinese manufacturers. Fain told the Guardian that Trump’s plans to shrink America’s EV industry could endanger many auto workers. “There are a lot of workers out there that in the [electric vehicle] industry who stand to lose their jobs,” he said.

At the victory celebration in Chattanooga, Fain urged VW’s workers to help auto workers elsewhere unionize their plants. To inspire the workers, Fain quoted Matthew 17:20: “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Fain told the Guardian that faith is important to him. “The foundation of all religion is love – love of your fellow human beings,” he said. “It’s important when we talk as workers and as labor that we talk about these things, that everything we do is about making life better for human beings. When three families have as much wealth as the bottom 50% of Americans, that’s the antithesis of everything that religion teaches. I’ll continue to lean on my faith. I don’t keep that any secret.”

• Volkswagen (VW)
• Automotive industry

Most viewed