antithesis examples in disney movies

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Life Lessons from Disney

With Tim Burton’s live-action remake of Dumbo now released, I thought it was time we addressed the elephant in the room (excuse the pun), and start discussing how significant Disney films have been to educate as well as entertain countless children growing up. Disney films have always been there to provide important life lessons for their intended audience.

The original Dumbo (1941) had a very important moral at its center about not judging others on their looks, and the idea that we all have our own special talent, whether that being a smart wise-cracking talking mouse in the form of Timothy, or Dumbo with his massive ears. Dumbo also features a surreal sequence when Timothy and Dumbo who accidentally become intoxicated (through drinking water spiked with champagne), see pink elephants sing, dance and play marching band instruments during a hallucination sequence. “Seeing pink elephants” is a euphemism for drunken hallucination caused by alcoholic hallucinosis.

By inserting this sequence into a children’s film, it helps warn children not to go on any pub crawls! Watching this as a child, this sequence literally gave me nightmares, and is partly the reason why I am so square. The sequence is also steeped in heavy Freudian concepts, such as the unconscious coming to the foreground and the development of the human psyche with the id, ego, and superego. The id is the impulsive (and unconscious) part of our psyche which responds directly and immediately to the instincts.

The id operates on the pleasure principle which is the idea that every wishful impulse should be satisfied immediately, regardless of the consequences. This is exactly what occurs in Dumbo , with the two characters consuming the spiked water without being aware of the consequences. To overcome the stage of id, Dumbo must develop an ego and finally a superego. This is a pretty big life lesson to throw into a film about a flying elephant, right?

Well, the majority of Disney films are based on fairy-tales, and the history of fairy-tales is rooted in these tales being moral lessons. These fairy-tales help a young child make sense of what it is to be human and helps them understand the world around them. The fairy-tale genre provides ways for children to receive important messages and offers fundamental elements for children’s development.

Freud believed in the importance of fairy tales in the mental development of children. Fairy-tales exist to teach their audience a lesson, whether it be not to trust strangers or not to go into the woods alone, not to stray from the path and not to take poison apples from old ladies. Snow White was a naive young woman, who trusted others too well, and her naivety eventually led to her ‘death’. Snow White (like many of the Disney Princesses such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty) are stuck in the ego stage of development.

The ego can be impulsive and as a result, people can make rash decisions. Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989) is a perfect example of the ego running amok. After saving Eric and falling in love with him (it’s astonishing how many Disney heroes just happen to find their true love so easily), Ariel exchanges her voice to be allowed on dry land for three days. So caught up in her own pursuit of pleasure, Ariel is unaware that Ursula is deceiving her. Important life lesson to all kids out there – if it seems too be good to be true, then it probably is a trick. Always read the small print!

Many of the Disney villains are stuck in the id stage of development. The id engages in primary process thinking, which is primitive, illogical, irrational, and fantasy oriented. This form of process thinking has no comprehension of objective reality and is selfish and wishful in nature. Take Mother Gothel in Tangled (2010) who is so caught up in her own irrational beliefs and selfishness that she steals Rapunzel and imprisons her, because the girl’s hair has healing properties and Gothel is determined to hold onto her youth and beauty.

To return to Snow White (1937), the evil stepmother is filled with jealousy and wants to kill Snow White as she is dominated by an overpowering drive. The evil step mother shows signs of displacement, (choosing a substitute to channel her personal frustration) as a result of Snow White’s superior beauty. The ego has no concept of right or wrong, it just does whatever it wishes.

Fairy-tales and Disney films not only aid in child development; they can also offer a way of accessing a child’s imagination by exploring memories of fairy tales and using them to address painful or unsettling issues in a non-threatening manner. For instance, the struggle between good and evil is a frequent theme in Disney films whether it be in Aladdin (1992), or The Lion King (1994), with two young male characters defeating a much older male character who is ‘evil’. In a therapeutic sense, this can be interpreted as internal conflict or the tension between the id and ego.

So, if people ask you why you are watching yet another Disney film, just explain that it is for psychological and educational purposes. There’s more to Disney films then talking mice, flying elephants, pretty princesses, and fun songs.

Article by Jonathon Wilson

Jonathon is one of the co-founders of Ready Steady Cut and has been an instrumental part of the team since its inception in 2017. Jonathon has remained involved in all aspects of the site’s operation, mainly dedicated to its content output, remaining one of its primary Entertainment writers while also functioning as our dedicated Commissioning Editor, publishing over 6,500 articles.

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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 1900 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 39,983 quotes across 1900 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play
• Climax (Figure of Speech)
• Figure of Speech
• Juxtaposition
• Parallelism
• Protagonist
• Rhetorical Question
• Figurative Language
• Onomatopoeia
• Red Herring
• Stream of Consciousness
• Dynamic Character
• Climax (Plot)
• Common Meter
• Tragic Hero
• Polysyndeton
• Anthropomorphism
• Rhyme Scheme

What Is Antithesis? Definition, History & Examples

Antithesis is a figure of speech that contains an opposite idea or proposition. It’s used to create contrast between two ideas, so that one stands out more than the other.

The first step in understanding how to use antithesis is to understand the basics of classical grammar. Classical grammar is based on Latin and Greek, which are both dead languages.

If you don’t know what those words mean, then you’re going to have a hard time with this article.

What Is Antithesis

What is antithesis.

Antithesis is the direct opposite of a statement. Antithesis means “the placing of two concepts, words or sentences in opposition to each other” or “the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas so as to achieve emphasis.”

Antithesis is often used to make an author’s point clear. Here are some examples from literature:

“To be or not to be” is the famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which uses antithesis to express the main character’s inner conflict.

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, there are several examples of antithesis: “I wish I could write like that,” Nick Carraway says at one point . Later on in the book, he says, “I am glad you’re here because I don’t want to be alone.”

Both statements use antithesis to express a feeling of loneliness and isolation, even though they seem contradictory on their surface (Nick wants company but doesn’t want company).

Antithesis is a powerful literary device that pits contrasting ideas against each other to create a striking effect.

We’ll jump into how it’s used to emphasize differences and bring out the depth in arguments, poetry, and prose.

Definition Of Antithesis

Antithesis is a foundational element in storytelling and scriptwriting.

It’s a rhetorical device that pits two contrasting or opposing ideas against each other to create a distinct effect.

This technique is not just limited to discussions or arguments but is also widely employed within the realms of cinema and literature.

Through antithesis, filmmakers are able to convey complex concepts by juxtaposing conflicting elements that can resonate deeply with audiences.

The power of antithesis lies in its simplicity and impact.

By placing two diametrically opposed ideas in close proximity, the differences between them become stark and the message more potent.

Consider The Dark Knight , where the moral integrity of Batman stands in sharp contrast to the anarchic nature of the Joker.

Famed lines from the film like “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain” serve as perfect examples of antithesis in action.

Incorporating antithesis in our film scripts involves a few key approaches –

• Crafting characters with opposing worldviews or ethical standards.
• Developing dialogues that express conflicting ideologies within a single conversation.
• Using visual elements that embody opposing themes such as light versus dark or chaos versus order.

This literary device is equally effective in non-dialogue contexts.

It’s often used in the editing room where contrasting shots are sequenced to emphasize a thematic or narrative conflict.

The strategic use of antithesis enables filmmakers like us to deliver thought-provoking content that engages viewers on a deeper level.

It’s an invaluable tool in our arsenal, enhancing the emotional and intellectual impact of our storytelling.

Types Of Antithesis

In our exploration of antithesis, it’s crucial to recognize the different forms it can take.

Each type employs a unique method to deliver contrasts that enhance narrative and thematic depth.

Juxtaposition of Characters – When we craft stories, we often build tension and highlight themes by creating characters with diametrically opposed traits.

A classic example is the righteous protagonist pitted against a morally ambiguous antagonist.

Films like The Dark Knight leverage this type of antithesis, delving into the complexity of heroism and villainy.

Clashing of Ideas – Beyond characters, antithesis manifests through the collision of ideas.

This form galvanizes audiences, compelling them to engage with the moral or intellectual dilemmas presented.

We see this in works such as To Kill a Mockingbird , where notions of justice and prejudice are in constant opposition.

Visual Contradictions :

• Light and shadow,
• Small versus large elements,
• Color contrasts.

These techniques are fundamental in translating antithesis into our visual storytelling.

They elevate the subtext and set the tone without uttering a single word.

In Schindler’s List , the poignant use of color amidst monochrome imagery exemplifies this powerful device.

Opposing Dialogues – In scripts, lines that reflect antithetical views can be subtle or overt.

The impact lies in the delivery and context, often leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

This approach is at the heart of many iconic film exchanges and is especially evident in courtroom dramas or political thrillers.

Contrasting Shot Sequences – When editing, we sequence shots to reflect opposing themes or narratives.

This form of antithesis is dynamic, relying on visual storytelling to convey conflict.

It’s a staple in action-packed sequences as well as in more nuanced, emotionally-driven scenes.

Examples Of Antithesis In Literature

Antithesis in literature often reveals complex characters and thought-provoking conflicts.

These examples showcase writers’ meticulous use of this device to enhance their storytelling.

Literary giants like William Shakespeare frequently employed antithesis.

In Hamlet , the juxtaposition of life and death is evident in the protagonist’s soliloquies.

The use of antithesis deepens our understanding of Hamlet’s inner turmoil and contemplation of existence.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is another classic example.

The inherent tension between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr.

Darcy emanates from their contrasting social standings and personalities.

Their evolving relationship exemplifies how antithesis can drive character development and plot.

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities starts with a famous antithetical sentence.

It contrasts various aspects of the era, such as “the best of times, the worst of times”.

This sets the stage for a novel that delves into the dichotomy between the French aristocracy and the suffering lower classes.

In modern literature, J.

Rowling’s Harry Potter series pits good against evil.

Harry’s humble beginnings starkly contrast with Voldemort’s quest for power and immortality.

The series thrives on antithetical forces shaping the wizarding world’s destiny.

Antithesis isn’t only about opposing characters or themes but often surfaces in:

• Poetic devices – where contrasting images or sounds emphasize a point,
• Moral dilemmas – where characters face tough choices between right and wrong,
• Symbolic settings – where places like utopias and dystopias highlight societal contrasts.

Understanding and identifying antithesis enriches the reading experience.

It helps us grasp the complexities of characters and the nuances of the narrative fabric.

By highlighting these literary instances, we recognize the potency of antithesis in storytelling.

Our appreciation deepens for the authors’ skill in weaving together elements that, at first glance, seem diametrically opposed.

Antithesis In Poetry

Poetry is a realm where antithesis thrives, often breathing life into the verses and stimulating the reader’s senses.

The technique is wielded to evoke emotional responses and highlight the depth of a poem’s theme.

By placing contrasting ideas near each other, poets can accentuate the beauty or the tragedy in their message, crafting layers of meaning with just a few well-chosen words.

The power of antithesis in poetry lies in its ability to quickly juxtapose conflicting emotions or ideas, making the experience very intense for the reader.

By balancing opposites, poets like Robert Frost in The Road Not Taken reveal the profound dilemmas and decisions we face in life.

In understanding antithesis within poetic stanzas, we find that popular devices include:

• Opposing concepts placed in adjacent lines,
• Contrast between the poem’s rhythm and its subject matter,
• Dualities in nature or emotions, emphasized by their coexistence.

When reading poetry, we’re not just scanning words; we’re delving into a world where antithesis shapes our understanding of the dualities that define human experience .

Whether it’s a contrast between love and hate, or life and death, antithesis ensures that these themes resonate with power and clarity.

Poets wield antithesis not just for the sake of contrast, but also to create a resonance that heightens the impact of their message.

We feel the pull of these opposing forces and are compelled to explore the depths of the poems more thoroughly.

As we immerse ourselves in their verses, these contrasts become a gateway to a richer comprehension of the poet’s vision.

Should we aim to write compelling poetry or analyze the works of others, recognizing the role of antithesis is key.

It’s this recognition that allows us to appreciate the full spectrum of a poem’s emotional and intellectual landscape.

Antithesis Vs. Oxymoron: What’s The Difference?

When exploring the depths of literary devices , it’s easy to confuse antithesis with oxymoron.

Each has a unique role in rhetoric and storytelling.

Antithesis involves juxtaposing two contrasting ideas in close proximity, often to highlight a conflict or create a compelling point.

In contrast, an oxymoron combines two opposing terms to describe a singular idea or to create a paradoxical image.

Consider the differences between the two:

• Antithesis – emphasizes a clear contrast between two ideas – Oxymoron – blends two contradictory words to form a new, paradoxical concept.

A filmmaker might use antithesis to convey a character’s internal struggle.

An example would be the depiction of a noble thief, showcasing the contradiction between theft and nobility.

An oxymoron , on the other hand, often adds a layer of complexity within dialogue or a film’s theme.

A classic example is the term ‘deafening silence’, which vividly describes a silence so profound it feels loud.

In The Dark Knight , the Joker represents chaotic principles whereas Batman represents order.

This is antithesis.

Yet when the Joker describes the unfolding anarchy as “aggressively peaceful”, that’s an oxymoron.

Understanding these nuances not only refines our appreciation for storytelling in film and literature but also sharpens our own writing skills.

It allows us to inject layers of meaning and emotional resonance into our screenplays and dialogue.

We recognize oxymorons quickly when they appear because they sound inherently contradictory.

They grab our attention and can be used for effect or humor.

Antithesis, by drawing on contrast, invites audiences to explore complexities within characters and narratives, often prompting a deeper reflection on the themes presented.

It’s less about a quick impact and more about provoking thought and exposing truths.

What Is Antithesis – Wrap Up

We’ve delved into the intricacies of antithesis and its pivotal role in storytelling.

It’s clear that this literary device is not just a stylistic choice but a powerful tool for writers to convey complex ideas and engage their audience.

By contrasting characters, themes, or situations, authors can craft narratives with greater depth and invite us to consider different perspectives.

As avid readers or writers ourselves, recognizing the subtle dance between antithesis and oxymoron enriches our experience with literature and film.

Let’s carry these insights forward and see the world of storytelling through a more nuanced lens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antithesis in storytelling.

Antithesis in storytelling is the juxtaposition of two contrasting ideas to emphasize a conflict or create a compelling point.

It is used to enhance narrative and thematic depth in films and literature.

What Are The Different Types Of Antithesis In Storytelling?

The types of antithesis in storytelling typically involve character contrasts, conflicting themes or ideologies, and contrasting settings or scenarios.

These antitheses enrich the story by highlighting the complex nature of characters and themes.

How Does Antithesis Differ From Oxymoron?

Antithesis differs from oxymoron in that antithesis contrasts two ideas to showcase a conflict or make a point, while oxymoron combines two opposing terms to describe a single idea or create a paradoxical image.

Why Is Understanding Antithesis Important For Writers?

Understanding antithesis is important for writers as it allows them to create more layered and engaging narratives.

It invites readers to explore complexities within characters and themes, prompting deeper reflection on the story’s message.

How Does Antithesis Affect An Audience’s Experience?

Antithesis affects an audience’s experience by adding depth to the narrative and characters, often leading to greater engagement and prompting audiences to reflect more deeply on the themes presented in the story.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of antithesis.

Antithesis is the use of contrasting concepts, words, or sentences within parallel grammatical structures. This combination of a balanced structure with opposite ideas serves to highlight the contrast between them. For example, the following famous Muhammad Ali quote is an example of antithesis: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” This is an antithesis example because there is the contrast between the animals and their actions (the peaceful floating butterfly versus the aggressive stinging bee) combined with the parallel grammatical structure of similes indicated by “like a.” Ali is indicating the contrasting skills necessary to be a good boxer.

Difference Between Antithesis and Juxtaposition

Antithesis is very similar to juxtaposition , as juxtaposition also sets two different things close to each other to emphasize the difference between them. However, juxtaposition does not necessarily deal with completely opposite ideas—sometimes the juxtaposition may be between two similar things so that the reader will notice the subtle differences. Juxtaposition also does not necessitate a parallel grammatical structure. The definition of antithesis requires this balanced grammatical structure.

Common Examples of Antithesis

The use of antithesis is very popular in speeches and common idioms, as the inherent contrasts often make antithesis quite memorable. Here are some examples of antithesis from famous speeches:

• “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” –John F. Kennedy Jr.
• “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” –Barack Obama
• “Decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent.” –Winston Churchill
• “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” –Abraham Lincoln

Significance of Antithesis in Literature

Antithesis can be a helpful tool for the author both to show a character’s mindset and to set up an argument . If the antithesis is something that the character is thinking, the audience can better understand the full scope of that character’s thoughts. While antithesis is not the most ubiquitous of literary devices , some authors use antithesis quite extensively, such as William Shakespeare. Many of his sonnets and plays include examples of antithesis.

Examples of Antithesis in Literature

HAMLET: 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?

( Hamlet by William Shakespeare)

Arguably the most famous six words in all of Shakespeare’s work are an example of antithesis. Hamlet considers the important question of “to be, or not to be.” In this line, he is considering the very nature of existence itself. Though the line is quite simple in form it contrasts these very important opposite states. Hamlet sets up his soliloquy with this antithesis and continues with others, including the contrast between suffering whatever fortune has to offer or opposing his troubles. This is a good example of Shakespeare using antithesis to present to the audience or readers Hamlet’s inner life and the range of his thinking.

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…

( A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)

The opening paragraph of Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities employs many different literary devices all at once. There are many examples of antithesis back-to-back, starting with the first contrast between “the best of times” and “the worst of times.” Each pair of contrasting opposites uses a parallel structure to emphasize their differences. Dickens uses these antithetical pairs to show what a tumultuous time it was during the setting of his book. In this case, the use of antithesis is a rhetorical device that foreshadows the conflicts that will be central to the novel.

There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one’s own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn’t, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn’t have to; but if he didn’t want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.

( Catch-22 by Joseph Heller)

In Joseph Heller’s classic anti-war novel Catch-22 , Heller uses a specific type of humor in which antithetical statements show the true absurdity of war. This very famous quote explains the concept of the “Catch-22,” which became a popular idiomatic expression because of the book. In fact, this example is not so much an antithetical statement but instead an antithetical situation. That is to say, the two possible outcomes for Orr are opposite: either he’s deemed crazy and would thus not be forced to fly any more combat missions, or he’s sane and then would indeed have to fly them. However, the one situation negates the possibility of the other, as only a sane man would be clear-headed enough to ask not to fly more missions.

This case is not a difficult one, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant.

( To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird , Atticus Finch is a lawyer representing Tom Robinson. Atticus presents the above statement to the jury, setting up an antithesis. He asserts that the case is not difficult and yet requires the jury to be absolutely sure of their decision. Atticus believes the case to have a very obvious conclusion, and hopes that the jury will agree with him, but he is also aware of the societal tensions at work that will complicate the case.

Test Your Knowledge of Antithesis

1. What is the correct antithesis definition? A. Using two very similar concepts and showing their subtle differences. B. Setting up a contrast between two opposite ideas or phrases in a balanced grammatical structure. C. Using words to convey an opposite meaning to their literal sense.

2. What is the difference between antithesis and juxtaposition? A. They are exactly the same device. B. They are completely different literary devices. C. Antithesis parallels opposite concepts, while juxtaposition sets up a comparison and contrast between two concepts that can be either similar or different.

3. Which of the following quotes from Shakespeare’s Macbeth contains an example of antithesis? A. 

WITCHES: Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.

MACBETH: Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?

WITCHES: Something wicked this way comes.

4. Which of the following quotes from Heller’s Catch-22 contains an example of antithesis? A. There are now fifty or sixty countries fighting in this war. Surely so many counties can’t all be worth dying for. B. He had decided to live forever or die in the attempt, and his only mission each time he went up was to come down alive. C. You’re inches away from death every time you go on a mission. How much older can you be at your age?

• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• How to Use Antithesis

I. What is an Antithesis?

“Antithesis” literally means “opposite” – it is usually the opposite of a statement, concept, or idea. In literary analysis, an antithesis is a pair of statements or images in which the one reverses the other. The pair is written with similar grammatical structures to show more contrast. Antithesis (pronounced an-TITH-eh-sis) is used to emphasize a concept, idea, or conclusion.

II. Examples of Antithesis

That’s one small step for a man – one giant leap for mankind .  (Neil Armstrong, 1969)

In this example, Armstrong is referring to man walking on the moon. Although taking a step is an ordinary activity for most people, taking a step on the moon, in outer space, is a major achievement for all humanity.

To err is human ; to forgive , divine . (Alexander Pope)

This example is used to point out that humans possess both worldly and godly qualities; they can all make mistakes, but they also have the power to free others from blame.

The world will little note , nor long remember , what we say here, but it can never forget what they did  (Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address )

In his speech, Lincoln points out that the details of that moment may not be memorable, but the actions would make history, and therefore, never entirely forgotten.

Antithesis can be a little tricky to see at first. To start, notice how each of these examples is separated into two parts . The parts are separated either by a dash, a semicolon, or the word “but.” Antithesis always has this multi-part structure (usually there are two parts, but sometimes it can be more, as we’ll see in later examples). The parts are not always as obvious as they are in these examples, but they will always be there.

Next, notice how the second part of each example contains terms that reverse or invert terms in the first part: small step vs. giant leap; human vs. divine; we say vs. they do. In each of the examples, there are several pairs of contrasted terms between the first part and the second, which is quite common in antithesis.

Finally, notice that each of the examples contains some parallel structures and ideas in addition to the opposites. This is key! The two parts are not simply contradictory statements. They are a matched pair that have many grammatical structures or concepts in common; in the details, however, they are opposites.

For example, look at the parallel grammar of Example 1: the word “one,” followed by an adjective, a noun, and then the word “for.” This accentuates the opposites by setting them against a backdrop of sameness – in other words, two very different ideas are being expressed with very, very similar grammatical structures.

To recap: antithesis has three things:

• Two or more parts
• Reversed or inverted ideas
• (usually) parallel grammatical structure

III. The Importance of Verisimilitude

Antithesis is basically a complex form of juxtaposition . So its effects are fairly similar – by contrasting one thing against its opposite, a writer or speaker can emphasize the key attributes of whatever they’re talking about. In the Neil Armstrong quote, for example, the tremendous significance of the first step on the moon is made more vivid by contrasting it with the smallness and ordinariness of the motion that brought it about.

Antithesis can also be used to express curious contradictions or paradoxes. Again, the Neil Armstrong quote is a good example: Armstrong is inviting his listeners to puzzle over the fact that a tiny, ordinary step – not so different from the millions of steps we take each day – can represent so massive a technological accomplishment as the moon landing.

Paradoxically, an antithesis can also be used to show how two seeming opposites might in fact be similar.

IV. Examples of Verisimilitude in Literature

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Forgive us this day our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us . (The Lord’s Prayer)

The antithesis is doing a lot of work here. First, it shows the parallel between committing an evil act and being the victim of one. On the surface, these are opposites, and this is part of the antithesis, but at the same time they are, in the end, the same act from different perspectives. This part of the antithesis is basically just an expression of the Golden Rule.

Second, the antithesis displays a parallel between the speaker (a human) and the one being spoken to (God). The prayer is a request for divine mercy, and at the same time a reminder that human beings should also be merciful.

All the joy the world contains has come through wanting happiness for others . All the misery the world contains has come through wanting pleasure for yourself . (Shantideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva )

The antithesis here comes with some pretty intense parallel structure. Most of the words in each sentence are exactly the same as those in the other sentence. (“All the ___ the world contains has come through wanting ____ for ____.”) This close parallel structure makes the antithesis all the more striking, since the words that differ become much more visible.

Another interesting feature of this antithesis is that it makes “pleasure” and “happiness” seem like opposites, when most of us might think of them as more or less synonymous. The quote makes happiness seem noble and exalted, whereas pleasure is portrayed as selfish and worthless.

The proper function of man is to live , not to exist . I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong  (Jack London, Credo )

The opening antithesis here gets its punch from the fact that we think of living and existing as pretty similar terms. But for London, they are opposites. Living is about having vivid experiences, learning, and being bold; simply existing is a dull, pointless thing. These two apparently similar words are used in this antithesis to emphasize the importance of living as opposed to mere existing.

The second antithesis, on the other hand, is just the opposite – in this case, London is taking two words that seem somewhat opposed (waste and prolong), and telling us that they are in fact the same . Prolonging something is making it last; wasting something is letting it run out too soon. But, says London, when it comes to life, they are the same. If you try too hard to prolong your days (that is, if you’re so worried about dying that you never face your fears and live your life), then you will end up wasting them because you will never do anything worthwhile.

V. Examples of Verisimilitude in Pop Culture

Everybody doesn’t like something, but nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee. (Sara Lee pastry advertisement)

This classic ad uses antithesis to set up a deliberate grammatical error. This is a common technique in advertising, since people are more likely to remember a slogan that is grammatically incorrect. (Even if they only remember it because they found it irritating, it still sticks in their brain, which is all that an ad needs to do.) The antithesis helps make the meaning clear, and throws the grammatical error into sharper relief.

What men must know , a boy must learn . (The Lookouts)

Here’s another example of how parallel structure can turn into antithesis fairly easily. (The structure is noun-“must”-verb. ) The antithesis also expresses the basic narrative of The Lookouts , which is all about kids learning to fend for themselves and become full-fledged adults.

Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes (the band “AFI” – album title)

The antithesis here is a juxtaposition of two different actions (opening and shutting) that are actually part of the same sort of behavior – the behavior of somebody who wants to understand the world rather than be the center of attention. It’s basically a restatement of the old adage that “those who speak the most often have the least to say.”

VI. Related Terms

• Juxtaposition

Antithesis is basically a form of juxtaposition . Juxtaposition, though, is a much broader device that encompasses any deliberate use of contrast or contradiction by an author. So, in addition to antithesis, it might include:

• The scene in “The Godfather” where a series of brutal murders is intercut with shots of a baptism, juxtaposing birth and death.
• “A Song of Ice and Fire” (George R. R. Martin book series)
• Heaven and Hell
• Mountains and the sea
• Dead or alive
• “In sickness and in health”

Antithesis performs a very similar function, but does so in a more complicated way by using full sentences (rather than single words or images) to express the two halves of the juxtaposition.

Here is an antithesis built around some of the common expressions from above

• “ Sheep go to Heaven ; goats go to Hell .”
• “Beethoven’s music is as mighty as the mountains and as timeless as the sea .”
• “In sickness he loved me; in health he abandoned ”

Notice how the antithesis builds an entire statement around the much simpler juxtaposition. And, crucially, notice that each of those statements exhibits parallel grammatical structure . In this way, both Juxtaposition and parallel structures can be used to transform a simple comparison, into 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
• 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

Transcendentalism in Disney by:Isabella de la torre

Nonconformity.

"Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?... Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches today to save nine tomorrow”-Walden, Henry David Thoreau

Merida is the next in line for the thrown and before any princess in disney can become a huge success she needs a prince by her side. The movie shows the struggle she goes to break the very strict rules in the kingdom,but she is not going to give up without fighting.Throughout her movie from 2012, she fights her mother because she does not want to settle down yet and feels not ready to take a huge responsibility. Eventually she does change the rules and shows she is truly brave with all the craziness that went throught the movie. She had stated "But every once in a while, there's a day when I don't have to be a princess. No lessons, no expectations. A day where anything can happen. A day I can change my fate". It relates to the quote above saying that people want time to enjoy life and not go by rules all the time,it support the nonconformity in Transcedentalism.The creators of her movie Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman wanted her to be a bit rebelous so her story line is disobeying the ancient rules and having nonconformity which means failure to prevail to practices.

The message that the creators of merida are placing in viewers mind is to find and create your own traditions. It is saying not to go by the normals of things and not conform and follow because everyone else does or did, but to make a new story for yourself. As the quote by Thoureau states "why should we live in such a hurry..", this is true in a sense that everything wants to be done so quick but people need time to enjoy. Brave can be interpreted as saying the princees is saying to rebel but that is not true, she only states is to be a better version of yourself.

Disney is always getting bashed on by making women feel like they need to have a prince to prosper and in my experience with this princess i believe she shows role model as she wants to be indepent and make her own life as she goes on with life , by not having it written for her. Merida is a strong and brave individual in her movie and gives many women, girls the right way to empower them everyday to be like her and move on through life even if people tell you to do one thing.Many transcendentalists were still having trouble stating what they believed but with Disney it will not be so hard anymore.

SELF-RELIANCE

“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string” -Self Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson

The movie Moana was created in 2016 by Disney creators Ron Clements and John Musker shows the first princess who is strong, independent and the biggest turn of all which shocked the crowed was no prince. She shows the population that she can fix the problem even if her mentor maui is not going to her. In the movie, the struggle can be seen by showing her worth to herself and other, when Maui gives up Moana makes a plan on her own to stop her island from dying. Throughout the movie she states " I am Moana", it shows us a viewers the internal battle she goes through in trying to prove to her self she can do this and be self reliant. This compares to the quote above beacuse both state how trusting their selfs is the best way as long as they never give up and try again.

Moana cannot be commpared to the works of Emerson and his impact in his time when showing what self reliance was but she had given a huge influence showing young girls how one can do something themselves. The message that she gives in her movie is clear and that is to be smart on trusting youself. never put trust in others because they can break it.

In the movie, Moana breaks many biases about having a prince to succed in things which was a huge deal for Disney viewers not to see a prince. She is mostly self reliant especially when Maui does not have any faith in her. People argue that she does have a relationship in the movie but are silenced because they did not show any affecionate to one another. this was a hiuge movie and a success in the harts because of many of the reviews which said good things and how disney id breaking barriers in their movies.

IMPORTANCE OF NATURE

“In the woods we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life - no disgrace, no calamity…” “Nature” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tangled is a movie that was first put out to the public in 2015, with the help of the creators who was Nathan Greno. He had made a wonderful princess in the sense that he had used a part of nature for her to even be living or created. In the movie, rapunzels mother gets sick and the only thing that would make her better was a magic flower that glowed, the flower had given the tiny baby powers to heal things. Also, in the movie the tower she is hidden is surrounded by a beautiful scenery and not to metion she has a trustful chamelion named Pascal. As she states in her movie "flower glean and glow. let your power shine..." it explains that the nature of the flower is the only thing that will fix things that usually take a while or never come back such as age. Emerson states thnat gpoing back to bnature can help one feel safe and fixed, this is also why people move to the forrest to be one with nature.

Rapunzel has taught the importance of nature because while she is stuck in the tower, she has nothing to do and many times repeats doing things, but when taken out of the tower she is excited and very intrigued in her surroundings. Emerson tried to show people the reason of nature but was not as successful as Disney mad Tangled to be.

She has many contreversies to her as well because she breaks her mothers rules on not leaving the castle but if she had never left she would never experience the fun she had with Flynn Rider. The story taught people the improtance of nature and show it can heal ones self spirtually, another famous transcedentalist Walden had seperated himself from the whole world bvut today it is not possible, that is why Rapunzel shows the beauty of nature in her movie.

FAVORING INTUITION OVER REASON

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David thoreau

In the movie Beauty and the Beast which is to be shown March 17th, 2017 is created by Bill Condon, it is about a girl who has a crazy inventor father who takes a wrong turn and falls into a beasts trap which puts Belle into a hard choice in taking her fathers place. As Belle's sweet father gets released she gets taken by the beast, when protecting her father she did not second thing about giving her freedom to be locked up forever. This movie is already being talked about so much as now real actors are reanacting the 1991 cartoon version. As she states in her movie "Wait! take me instead" after the beast states that he is keeping her father for trespassing, it is similar to what Thoreau says which was not to think about what a choice is but feel what it is and act on it right away.

Belle can never escalate like the famous transcedenatlists but Disney made it more understandale in showimng what it is to chose intuition over reason. Both were critized in the sense on saying she did think twice but the main point is that many people would not risk their life for one another.

Disney is showing the princess and not being afraid on what happens to her and facing the beast when no one could. This is only to show that if you face the problem or thing that needs to be done it will not be that bad, beacuse in the end belle changes the beast's heart by making him fall in love and breaking the horrible cure that a witch had placed on him. This movie can be shown to live ones life in not being worried on things and go with flow.

SIMPLIFIED LIFE

“Live your life. Do your work. Then take your hat.” Henry David Thoreau

In the year 2009 the craetors of Disney had made a simplea and quiet hard working princess. This princess was african American and never had a castle nor a rich father, she lived in a small run down house when growing up and was saving for a space to set up the best resturant in town. She never gave up and her name was Tiana, Disney poirtrayed her had having a simple life with working and saving money like any other person who had a goal or dream. It was sson messed up with a prince turning her bworld upside which soon becanme Tiana the frog. As she states "This stick in the mud has had to work two jobs her whole life", she shows as a hard working woman.The quote above even states that you should live your life and do your work which was exactly what Tiana was doing.

Thoreau says taht have a simple life is by working and just living life day by day is the right thing to do, this is exactly what happens in the Princess and the Frog. The messages of these people vcan be interpretated wrong but it will only show that people do not know hwo to live like that.

Tiana is the most simpliest princess in the Disney family and she shows it all throughout the movie by going slow and working to succed her goal which she does step by step. Disney has made the Transcedentalists ways of seeing the world more easier to understand by placing hints in their movcies and let people analyze them. The repeated lines of doing work and not having time to have fun is exactly what Thoreau meant on having a life that is simple. Disney can be great in describing what transcedentalism is to the wold.

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How Disney Projects Orientalism Through Their Movies

What are the aspects of Orientalism that are found in Disney’s movies like Aladdin (1992) and Mulan (1998), and what is the importance of cultural relativism?

Watching movies is a form of entertainment, but when you become more aware of certain topics, you inevitably find yourself reading into more than what you see on the screen. Movies are cultural products, and therefore, they contain a culture’s perceptions, values, and beliefs. In this article, we will be looking at aspects of Orientalism found in Disney movies, specifically in Aladdin (1992) and Mulan (1998).

Orientalism can mean several meanings, but for the sake of this article, Orientalism will be defined as the representation of the East (Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) in a stereotypical manner. This results in the exaggeration of the differences between the so-called “Orientals” and the Western societies, leading to a “self vs. other” mode of thought. The term Orientalism was given a new meaning by Edward Said in his book Orientalism (1978) and has become an important topic of discussion in academia since then.

Aladdin, an animation movie produced by Disney in 1992, is set in a mythical town called Agrabah, meaning scorpion in Arabic. In the movie’s original opening song “Arabian Nights”, Agrabah is described as a land “where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face, it’s barbaric, but hey, it’s home.” These lyrics were later changed due to the outrage they caused since they were seen as racist by the audience. Despite the setting being mythical, there are Middle Eastern, Islamic, and Asian aspects mixed up within the movie. The king, Jasmine’s father, is at times called Sultan (Arabic) and at others Shah (Iranian). Aladdin wears a Fez (Turkish) and Jasmine wears Indian-style shoes. Belly dancers are seen dancing with red marks on their foreheads (Hindu) and terms like “Salam” and “Allah forbids” (Arabic/Islamic) are used. What a crazy and irrelevant mixture, don’t you agree?

Through these representations, Orientals are depicted as barbaric (Aladdin almost get’s his arm chopped off for stealing), sensual (belly dancers & revealing clothing), yet exotic and enticing. Interestingly, one can argue that the Genie’s character represents the West through his foreign jokes, impersonations of foreign characters e.g. A Frenchman or an American announcer. Genie makes fun of Aladdin but helps him, making Genie into the figure of a Western “rescuer”, where Western influence is seen as beneficial for the “barbaric” (Aladdin) from their strange and dangerous ways.

In Mulan, another animation movie produced by Disney in 1998, Mulan’s character can be interpreted as Western, she feels like she does not belong in the traditional Chinese society, which is shown through her decision to dress as a man and fight against the Huns instead of her aging father. As a man, everyone pays attention to Mulan, or Ping as she calls herself; she becomes a hero when she saves her fellow soldiers. But as a woman, no one pays much attention to her even when she tries to warn some men of the plan to attack the emperor, no one listens to her, because as Mushu (her friend?) tells her “you’re a girl again, remember?” In this manner, gender roles in Asia are made to seem wrong instead of different, which is a recurring theme in the study of Orientalism.

Also, Mulan is shown wearing a Kimono in one of the scenes, which is Japanese and not Chinese. This could serve as a classic example of the Western generalizations of Asian cultures. The scene of the dead ancestors may also show elements of Western disregard of Eastern cultures, since the veneration of ancestors is a crucial part of Chinese culture, but Disney showed it as a strange and mystical way.

I am not trying to state that Disney is evil for making such movies, however, what I want to bring to your attention is that it is important to be culturally relative and not be ethnocentric. When you are ethnocentric, you see other cultures and people using your own cultural framework. This distorts your perception of other cultures and may cause you to misunderstand or to disrespect cultures that are different from your own. Therefore, movies are for entertainment, but they are also educational, they shape our perception of people, places, and events. Think of all those children who watched Aladdin or Mulan repeatedly through their childhood, what perceptions will be engrained in their minds?

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Do you remember the famous line that Neil Armstrong spoke when he landed on the moon and achieved the great feat? His words ‘that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind’ struck the minds and hearts of everyone. His line showed a sharp contrast between the two words. Can you identify them? 

The words small and giant have opposite meanings. This phrase used a figure of speech called antithesis. A ntithesis means the direct opposite. It is a contrary opinion or a concept. The statement can include characteristics that are contrasting. Using antithesis can highlight and drive home an important point.  

Antithesis is found everywhere but it is used widely in films and literature . Using this makes the audience understand the point of the other person with more clarity.

What is Antithesis?

Antithesis is a rhetorical device that brings out the contrast in the statement. It contains two ideas in the phrase that are complete opposites of each other. They are used to strengthen an argument and make it easier for the listener or reader to remember. 

Antithesis is also used to make the reader feel a certain way. They persuade the other person to elicit a particular emotion that the writer wants to show.

The dictionary defines antithesis as the placing of a sentence or one of its parts against another to which it is opposed to form a balanced contrast of ideas. It means the direct opposite or contrasting ideas in the same sentence .

Antithesis examples:

Everyday examples-.

Antithesis can be used in everyday speech as well. Many phrases spoken use this device. 

• Go home or go big- this is a phrase heard more in games.
• No pain, no gain.
• Speech is silver but silence is golden- this one would have been used by every teacher out there! 

Examples from famous speeches- 

• “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. ” – this was quoted by John.F. Kennedy during his inaugural speech as the 35th President of the USA.

• “We must all learn to live together as brothers – or we will all perish together as fools.” Martin Luther King Jr quoted this to highlight the contrast between two versions of the future.

Proverbs featuring antithesis- 

• Beggars can’t be choosers.
• One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
• Hope for the best and prepare for the best.

How to write with Antithesis?

Antithesis is best used to add contrast. Concepts such as emotions and opposing elements of a setting use this. The concepts don’t need to be complete opposites but they should be distinct. Antithesis creates a lyrical quality so one should keep in mind the rhythm and wording to be similar. Overuse should be avoided since the impact will sound duller and make writing seem forced.

Why do writers use Antithesis?

• Writers use antithesis to create a contrast and present a choice between two different things.
• Placing opposites together gives more clarity and attention to its characteristics.
• It allows the expression of strong emotions and conveys range.
• It also allows the text to be more memorable for the reader or listener. 

Read this article to get more information on Literary Syntax .

Difference between Antithesis and Juxtaposition:

Antithesis often gets confused with other literary terms. Juxtaposition is one such literary device that is mistaken in place of antithesis. Juxtaposition places two things next to each other for an interesting effect. This is done to bring attention to their similarities or differences. The juxtaposition does not always compare or contrast, unlike antithesis. Antithesis could be a juxtaposition but vice versa cannot be told as the same.

Difference between Antithesis and Oxymoron:

Oxymoron is another literary device that gets confused with antithesis. Oxymoron is a combination of contradicting words placed next to each other. For example, living dead, making haste slowly, the only choice, etc. 

The idea of an oxymoron focuses on contradiction while antithesis is more based on opposites. Antithesis doesn’t function with only a few words and is not placed next to each other. Pretty easy to identify them!

You can get more information about Anaphora in this article.

Difference between Antithesis and Foil:

A foil is a literary character that highlights attributes and reveals information in another character through opposing traits. It is used to draw attention to the other person’s qualities. This can get confused with antithesis. While the character can have opposing qualities, it does not mean it is a bad character. This is a foil character. If the main character is a hero, then antithesis will mean being the villain and foil will mean being a sidekick of the hero.

Antithesis and Parallelism:

Parallelism is a literary device in which parts of a sentence are the same. They can be grammatically the same or at least similar in construction. This makes it a great persuasion tool as people find it a pattern and rhythm more memorable. 

The easiest example to understand this device would be Martin Luther King Jr’s speech- 

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today…”. 

Although anyone would not be able to remember the whole speech, the part that uses parallelism sticks to the mind. This shows the power parallelism holds in making a bigger impact.

Antithesis uses parallelism in many cases. It can involve parallel elements of the sentence which can be verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. An example that has both antithesis and parallelism in it is from the book The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens- 

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness;

Origins of Antithesis:

Antithesis originates from the Greek word Antitithenai which means set against. It comes from two words ‘ anti’ meaning ‘against’ and ‘ tithenai’ meaning ‘to place’. The earliest usage of this as a literary device is known from the 16th century.

Antithesis in Literature: 

Antithesis is a favorable device that a lot of authors use. Some of Shakespeare’s best works use this.

• Othello by Shakespeare- 

“This is the night

That either makes me or fordoes me quite .”

The antithesis in this is quite clear as the antagonist uses it to differentiate between the two potential outcomes.

• Julius Caesar by Shakespeare- 

There is a subtle use of antithesis here. The author uses it to show the contrast between the characters Markus Brutus and Marc Anthony. The former being a noble, honorable man and the latter being evil but honorable.

Antithesis in poetry:

• Paradise Lost by John Milton-

“Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav’n.”

There is the use of double antithesis here. One between heaven and hell and the other one between ruling and serving. The poet justifies that it is better to rule even in hell than be a servant, even if it is heaven.

• Fire and Ice by Robert Frost-

              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.

      Antithesis is used to contrast fire and ice as opposing yet destructive forces. The fire represents desire while the ice represents hate. There is the literal and figurative meaning used by the poet.

Antithesis in popular culture:

• In the song ‘My Girl by the Temptations’ (1965)

I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day

When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May.

The singer uses antithesis to express joy in contrasting conditions.

• In the movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’ by Disney-

The movie uses antithesis on its characters. While Belle is the epitome of beauty, the beast is a stark contrast by being ugly. Yet, they find their way to each other which makes it a heartfelt union.

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• Scriptwriting

What is Juxtaposition in Film? Definition and Examples

T wo is always better than one when it comes to Juxtaposition. Other than being the game-winning word in your next Scrabble match, what is juxtaposition? It is a frequently used term throughout the artistic world from photography to literature to film. Despite its frequent use, its meaning can be quite vague. We’ll define juxtaposition with examples in film so that you can use it throughout your next project.

Watch: What is Juxtaposition Explained

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Tools For Screenwriters

Literary devices.

Literary Elements

• Deuteragonist
• Foil Character
• Point of View
• Protagonist

Literary Techniques

• Alliteration
• Connotation
• Deus ex Machina
• Foreshadowing
• Iambic Pentameter
• Juxtaposition
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Red Herring

Juxtaposition Definition

What does juxtaposition mean.

Artists throughout all mediums use juxtaposition. While different artists may use it in different ways depending on their form, it still serves the same function: to develop contrasts or comparisons between two or more things. Before we jump into some examples and uses, let's explore the juxtaposition definition.

JUXTAPOSITION DEFINITION

What is juxtaposition.

Juxtaposition is the act of placing two or more things side-by-side to compare or contrast. It is used throughout art and literature to create meaning from two or more things. The prefix “juxta” derives from the Latin root meaning “nearby, near, close.” Proximity is a great juxtaposition synonym to understand the concept. The proximity of one thing to another creates meaning.

Juxtaposition Examples Used in Film:

• Words or descriptions in a screenplay
• Actors and props in a frame
• Shots edited together in post-production

Juxtaposition in Film

Juxtaposition vs. other devices.

You might be a bit confused about how juxtaposition is different from other familiar literary devices. Let’s differentiate the tool from its close companions.

Juxtaposition vs. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is a pairing of two words with opposite meanings, like “same difference.” So it could be argued that an oxymoron is a juxtaposition of two unlike words.

Take, for example, the term “living dead.” Living and dead are opposites, but their juxtaposition creates a new, third meaning: zombies.

Night of the Living Dead

Of course, however, not all juxtaposition is an oxymoron. Any sort of visual juxtaposition, for instance, wouldn’t be categorized as an oxymoron.

Juxtaposition vs. Paradox

There’s less overlap between juxtaposition and paradox . A paradox is a self-contradictory statement or idea, like, “There is no absolute truth.” This phrase is paradoxical because the statement itself is an absolute truth… meaning it’s not actually true.

That statement is not a juxtaposition. But there are some paradoxes which could be seen as juxtapositions. Take the Yogi Berra paradoxical line, “Nobody goes to that restaurant anymore, it’s too crowded.” The two clauses within this sentence are being juxtaposed to create a paradox.

Yogi Berra, king of the paradox

Juxtaposition vs. antithesis.

The word antithesis refers to something which is the opposite of something else. Good is the antithesis of bad.

As a literary device, antithesis uses parallel sentence structure of opposite ideas to create a compelling statement. Think of something like this: “Teal was loved by everyone, but he loved no one.” This is antithesis in action, and also juxtaposition.

Antithesis, in other words, is using juxtaposition of two clauses to create dynamism. When Charles Dickens wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” he was using a juxtaposition of opposite ideas to create antithesis.

Juxtaposition vs. Foil Characters

A foil character is a character which exposes qualities of another character. For example, Sherlock and Watson are foils of each other, constantly bringing intrinsic traits out of the other.

So what does this have to do with juxtaposition? Well, for a foil character to bring out qualities of another character, they usually need to be placed next to each other. Draco and Harry wouldn’t highlight each other’s traits if they weren’t forced into the same space over and over again.

What is juxtaposition in film?

Now that we have a solid juxtaposition definition, let’s talk about what how it works in film. The filmmaking process is often a series of creative decisions. One of the most frequent decisions being made is how to arrange elements of a film. The elements that filmmakers juxtapose can vary from words on a page, actors, and props on the screen, to shots in the editing room.

Let’s explore the different meanings of juxtaposition in film and how it can be used to tell a story.

Juxtaposing Words

Juxtaposition in screenwriting.

Screenwriters often use juxtaposition when describing something or someone. Writers can juxtapose one description of a character or a place before the next to create a sense of perception. A great example of this can be found in Alex Garland’s Ex Machina .

To analyze the screenplay of Ex Machina , we brought the scene into StudioBinder’s screenwriting software . Here we broke down Garland’s introduction of Ava, an artificial intelligent being, and pinpoint some juxtaposition examples.

Garland begins by describing Ava as a “robot girl” created from “a mixture of metal and plastic and carbon fiber.” He proceeds to describe her having breasts, hands, and delicate skin shortly after.

Juxtaposition example in Ex Machina  •  Read Full Scene  

By describing Ava first mechanically then anatomically, Garland is able to immediately bring up a core conflict of the film: Ava’s humanity. Take a look at how this is translated to the screen.

Ex Machina  •  Caleb First Meets Ava

Both Caleb’s and the audience’s first impression of Ava is an important point in Ex Machina . Garland is able to juxtapose his first mechanical description of Ava next to a human description of her to effectively highlight the underlying conflict of Ava’s humanity.

This scene is an example of the juxtaposition literary definition in which words are arranged. While everything in a film starts in the screenplay, juxtaposing can also be done in cinematography .

Juxtaposing Elements

Juxtaposition in cinematography.

What does juxtaposition mean in cinematography? Oftentimes, directors of photography use it to illustrate conflict . Cinematographers juxtapose elements such as subject, foreground, and background to create meaning that is not found in the dialogue. This juxtaposition can explain character dynamics, plot points, or settings solely using composition . Take a look at this shot from the film Drive .

Juxtaposition in Drive

Without even watching the scene unfold, there is a ton of information in this shot. DP Newton Thomas Sigel uses the quadrant system to frame Irene as the subject to the left with a photo of her family on a mirror in the background, and in the mirror is Driver. 

By juxtaposing all three elements, we can infer that Irene's family is what prevents her from having a deeper, intimate relationship with him. 

If Sigel chose not to juxtapose Irene next to the mirror or the photo, the shot would have substantially less conflict. Here’s another juxtaposition example from Drive .

Juxtaposition in film  •  Drive

Again, Sigel uses juxtaposition to create suspense . By framing the unaware party-goers on the edges of the frame and Driver peeking through the door, Sigel creates a feeling of suspense and imminent doom. Also take note how proximity, a juxtaposition synonym, factors in here.

Driver is shot right outside the door, the small distance is what creates meaning and suspense of what is to come.

Because Sigel uses the quadrant system in his cinematography , Drive contains a plethora of juxtaposition examples that utilize the entire frame. While cinematographers juxtapose within a shot, editors use the shots themselves to tell a story. Let’s understand how to define juxtaposition in post-production .

Juxtaposing Images

Juxtaposition in editing.

One of the most fundamental principles of editing is the use of juxtaposition. The job of the editor, simply put, is to assemble and arrange the shots to create a story. Similar to the juxtaposition literary definition, editors arrange to create contrast and comparison with shots rather than words.

To define juxtaposition within post-production, it is important to understand the principle known as the Kuleshov Effect . The Kuleshov Effect is a theory that suggests viewers derive more meaning from the juxtaposition of two sequential shots than from isolated single shots.

The figure below illustrates how the combination of images can produced meanings that wouldn't exist otherwise. The same image of an expressionless man takes different meanings when paired with different secondary images.

Juxtaposition in Editing

This Kuleshov Effect became the basis of nearly all film editing. Alfred Hitchcock even considered this one of his three theories of film editing . Let's let the Master of Suspense himself explain the concept.

Alfred Hitchcock  •  Juxtaposition meaning in editing

To juxtapose a shot before or after another is to create meaning that the shots would not have without each other. This same theory applies to complementary sequences when combined. Hitchcock isn't the first or only filmmaker to understand this process.

"The essence of cinema is editing. It’s the combination of what can be extraordinary images of people during emotional moments, or images in a general sense, put together in a kind of alchemy.”

- FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

Take a look at this iconic juxtaposition example from The Godfather .  It's clear that Coppola understands how to use this "alchemy" of juxtaposition in film. When watching this sequence, ask yourself what connections are being suggested between the two scenarios? 

The Baptism Scene from The Godfather

This montage , edited by Peter Zinner and William Reynolds, uses juxtaposition masterfully. Imagine if these two scenes were shown separately rather than being inter-cut. The baptism might appear as a rather meaningless plot point while the assassination scene would appear to be less methodical and strategic.

Zinner and Reynolds chose to juxtapose the two scenes together to create something new. From this, the audience is able to understand that the execution of Michael’s assassinations was a rebirth and christening for him as Don Corleone.

The Kuleshov Effect explained

Now that we have been able to define juxtaposition and analyze examples of it used in film, let’s dig deeper into the Kuleshov Effect and why it is the basis for all of film editing. We’ll dive deeper into Hitchcock and his juxtaposition examples in editing. We’ll also look into how Spielberg often subverts the Kuleshov Effect to put his own twist on it.

Up Next: The Kuleshov Effect →

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Anti-heroes

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Heroes that lack certain traditional hero qualities, often engaging in some negative behaviors or having certain flaws, but otherwise still having a moral compass erring on the side of good. But some of them can eventually become full-on heroes after the proper character development.

They sometimes do the wrong thing for the right reasons (such as Robin Hood ) though some do good but are motivated by the wrong reasons, such as personal gain or reward for their actions.

For the opposite, see Category:Anti-villains .

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The Best Part of This Disney Animated Film Happens After the Credits

The movie isn't over until the screen goes dark.

The Big Picture

• Wish 's post-credit scene reflects Disney's theme of dreams coming true, symbolizing Walt Disney's success.
• The post-credit scene connects to classic Disney films, using nostalgia to honor the studio's 100th anniversary.
• The beautiful post-credit scene in Wish highlights a heartfelt story and ties the movie's plot to the iconic "When You Wish Upon a Star" song, amping up the Disney magic.

Disney has long been known for its magical scenes and happy endings, and although the studio has been adjusting its definition of a happy ending, that hasn't changed. Their most recent animated film, Wish , has both, with a magical star that makes animals talk and sing and the hero, Asha ( Ariana DeBose ), defeating the villain and returning everyone's wishes to them in the end. But nothing in the film is more impactful than the post-credit scene . Not only does watching Grandpa Sabino ( Victor Garber ) fulfill his lifelong dream bring tears to your eyes, but it ties together the Disney catalog as he composes "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio .

The film acts as a secret origin story for the song, which has become an anthem for the studio, so it is fitting for "When You Wish Upon a Star" to play. But more importantly, it highlights a central theme throughout Disney films: dreams come true. This is present in Wish , nearly all of Disney's popular films, and in the story of the studio. Walt Disney started his work with nothing but a dream, and Wish celebrates 100 years of that dream's fulfillment . The end-credit scene is not just an homage to Pinocchio but a celebration of what Disney has accomplished and a toast to more years of the same. It may seem strange that the best part of the film is held until after the credits, but the self-aware moment uses a little nostalgia to complete the story in a truly magical way.

Wish follows a young girl named Asha who wishes on a star and gets a more direct answer than she bargained for when a trouble-making star comes down from the sky to join her.

'Wish's Post-Credit Scene Concludes the Story Beautifully

Grandpa Sabino's wish to change the world with his music is crucial to the story. It is her grandfather's wish that Asha wants to be fulfilled. However, she learns from King Magnifico ( Chris Pine ) that, like most of the citizens of Rosas, Grandpa Sabino's wish will not be granted. This causes Asha's realization that King Magnifico and the system he created are corrupt, launching the film's plot. In Wish, the happy ending is that everyone gets their wishes returned, allowing them to strive for and fulfill their own desires. After the credits, Grandpa Sabino makes his dream come true, which never would have happened without Asha's victory. The scene solidifies the film's happy ending, showing that the wish that started it all does eventually come true.

Why 'Wish' Looks So Different From Other Recent Disney Films

But that is only the top layer of meaning behind the beautiful scene. Wish is based on the song, making it fitting to include the iconic notes. It's easy to see how the two connect because "When You Wish Upon a Star" literally outlines the film's plot. Wish follows the events in Rosas after Asha wishes on a star for other people's wishes to come true, and the creatively named Star appears to grant her wish, which fits the song's famous lyrics, "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." It would have been a missed opportunity to end the film without the classic song, making the post-credit scene the perfect ending.

'Wish's Post-Credit Scene Delivers the Nostalgia the Film Promised

Wish is full of references to old Disney movies , honoring previous films as a celebration of Disney's 100th anniversary, and the post-credit scene is one of the many examples. With varying degrees of obviousness, the film goes out of its way to bring to mind older Disney films, but it is the post-credit scene that does this most effectively. This moment allows Wish to include the classic Disney song originally written for Disney's second feature film, Pinocchio . But this particular reference goes a bit deeper. "When You Wish Upon a Star" grew beyond Pinocchio, becoming associated with the Disney Company and even playing behind the logo. Basically, it is the Mickey Mouse of Disney songs. As the epitome of Disney magic, "When You Wish Upon a Star" had to play somewhere in the film , and this scene works it into the story rather than playing it in the background.

The end-credit scene pays homage to Pinocchio and the whole of Disney, delivering an extra dose of nostalgia to Disney fans who wait until the end. Though the placement may seem odd, the nostalgia factor is enhanced by the credits, which show portraits of characters from every Disney era. This transitions the moment from being about the characters of Wish to becoming a reminder of the magic fans have experienced in a century's worth of films. This explains why it is so late and makes waiting until the end completely worth it.

The Post-Credit Scene Provides Another Important Connection for 'Wish'

But the most important contribution of the post-credit scene is its ability to highlight the theme of dreams coming true. Though this is prevalent throughout Wish, it becomes the focus of the final scene as not only Sabino's wish comes true, but the song reminds us of it as well. The fulfillment of dreams is central to many Disney films, whether through Cinderella's Fairy Godmother or Aladdin's Genie, but nowhere in Disney lore is it more important than when it comes to Walt Disney himself. A hundred years before audiences saw Wish , Walt Disney and his brother Roy started a small animation company, building it into the empire Disney is today . This film, and every Disney film, is the result of Walt Disney's dream that did come true.

Walt Disney is often quoted as saying, "If you can dream it, you can do it," and Grandpa Sabino's wish coming true shows that. Magnifico held Sabino's wish for decades, and nothing happened, but shortly after Sabino got the memory back, he accomplished his dream, supporting Disney's statement. The story of Wish as a whole fits the quote as Asha learns that the best way for dreams to come true is not through a magical sorcerer but by letting people work towards them. Wish 's post-credit scene is not just a nod to Pinocchio but to the man who started it all. In a film meant to celebrate Disney's anniversary , this is the perfect ending.

Wish is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.

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15 Best Understatement Examples in Movies

Understatement is a literary device that belittles something or makes it less important than it actually is. It means to make something less significant or less valuable or smaller than it actually is. Some of the best understatements in movies are as follows.

From Armageddon  

GOLDEN It’s not the end of the world, General, the world – Earth – will still be here. But there will be no life – maybe cockroaches and some resilient strands of bacteria.

 Spoken by Golden in a voice -over, this conversation takes place in Armageddon. Golden refers to the earth to tell the general that it would be there but without life. Although Golden has also referred to cockroaches and bacteria, he states that there will be no life. This seems an understatement about the significance of life when seen from a scientific lens, for these are also signs of life and it seems that the words do not carry the same significance of life as they should have.

JOKER He’s a busy man. MOM Too busy for me? I worked for that family for 12 years. He always had a smile for me. Least he could do is write back.

This conversation between Mom and Joker takes place in the movie, Joker. Although the conversation with Mom is quite interesting and 12 years stay is not a short time, the smile and “writing back” shows that Mom has taken it lightly and said in the same vein. This time and smile are more significant than they have been given here. Therefore, it is an interesting and humorous understatement.

Beauty and the Beast

MRS. POTTS It’s a very long journey. Let me fix you up before you go. I have found that most troubles seem less troubling after a bracing cup o’ tea.

This conversation takes place in the movie Beauty and the Beast. Mrs. Potts speaks these words saying that troubles seem less troubling. However, this seems that she has belittled the significance of troubles as they are not less troubling and if they are less troubling, they are not troubles. And when they are equated with a cup of tea, it seems that this is an effective use of an understatement that shows how she belittles troubles to lessen their intensity.

From Into the Wild

JAN I wasn’t much older than Tracy when I got pregnant. And I thought my husband and I were going to invent peace on earth and stay together forever. But it didn’t work out that way. He left. History.

This conversation occurs in Into the Wild. Although Jan tries to tell how Tracy made her pregnant and left her, she has belittled the importance of leaving by stating that he just left and it is history now . This seems that she has taken it lightly and has tried to forget him though it is a highly significant event in one’s life. She has tried to decrease its intensity in her life through this understatement.

From Lord of the War

YURI There are over 550 million firearms worldwide circulation.  That’s one firearm for every twelve people on the planet.  The only question is… (taking a draft and stubbing out the cigarette) …how do we arm the other eleven? The camera zooms away from his face, revealing:

Yuri speaks these words in the movie Lord of the War. He is talking about the weapons. However, the way he has spoken about them that every thirteenth person has a weapon, it seems a horrifying specter but when he states that all others or 12 others should also be armed, it shows how he has decreased the intensity of this statement. This is a good use of an understatement in a tense atmosphere or atmosphere that is going to get charged.

From Allahdin

ABU:        Hello! ALADDIN:    Come on, let’s get outta here! Gotta keep…one jump ahead of the breadline One swing ahead of the sword I steal only what I can’t afford That’s everything!

Abu and Aladdin are discussing the art of stealing here. As it is a grave crime and is considered wrong in every social fabric, Aladdin wants to try to lessen its significance among other crimes. Therefore, he tries to belittle its importance by showing that it is just a simple act that when he sees that he cannot afford something, he simply steals it. It is an interesting but innocent use of an understatement.

From Charade

BARTHOLOMEW Everything went smoothly enough until after the gold was buried — then, before they could get out, they were ambushed by a German patrol. A machine gun separated Scobie from his right hand — and caught Carson Dyle full in the stomach.

Bartholomew speaks these words to Reggie in Charade. She states that between Scobbie and his right hand, there was a machine gun. Actually, she wants to state that there was a German patrol officer pointing the gun at him for taking out gold. However, she has lessened the importance of this life-threatening event by saying that the machine gun has separated him from his right hand.

From The Things My Father Never Taught

ADULT MELVIN (V.O.) I loved my father and he taught me many useful things. But he didn’t teach me anything at all about women. There was a time when I resented that. And then, one day, it occurred to me that perhaps he didn’t know all that much about the fairer sex.

This is the voice of Adult Melvin in The Things My Father Never Taught. He states that his father has taught him many useful things and it has occurred to him that he has not known many things about women. He then belittles the importance of women by saying they are fairer sex and that his father must not have known much about them. This is a good use of an understatement by comparing women with useful things and saying that it is the most useful thing that his father has never taught him.

Example # 9

From Platoon

CHRIS Do you … do you know you’re gonna die … Big Harold? … do you feel like … like … everything’s gonna be fine and then … BIG HAROLD Bullshit man, you gettin outta the field, man.  Three hots a day, white sheets, dem pretty white nurses give you blowjobs too you pay em enough, I heard tell bout dem white bitches.  Better save yo strength Taylor.

Big Harlod is teaching Chris how to save his strength for the war. They are considering women only bullshit and bitches and belittling their importance in the humdrum and chaos of war. It seems a good understatement that Big Harold is belittling the importance of women for Taylor and asking him to save his strength.

Example #10

From Megamind

EINSTEIN Well, you’d think he’d invent a wool sweater that didn’t itch so much.

This conversation between Einstein and Plato takes place in the Megamind movie. Both are talking about what Einstein has done for the world. However, to belittle the significance of his Theory of Relativity, Einstein tells Plato humorously that he thinks that Einstein has invented wool sweaters that should not itch the people. This is a good use of understatement that shows the humorous side of Einstein as well as his tone how he belittles the importance of the theory.

Example #11

From Honeydripper

BERTHA MAE You women don’t worry About your life She made Jack the Ripper Throw away his knife-

Bertha Mae speaks these words in Honeydripper to show that even life is not much important as throwing a knife. This is a good use of understatement vis-à-vis life that women do not worry about.

Example #12

From The Army of Darkness

Why would you say that I am insane?  I wouldn’t say that I’ve lost my mind simply because I’ve heard the voices and seen the godless things moving in the woods. If anything, I think more clearly now than ever before. I know now that there is such a thing as a living Evil.

Ash opens the movie with these words. He is stating why others would call him insane when he just talks to voices after hearing things around him when others do not. Actually, he wants to undermine the significance of this psychological issue when to others it seems that it is an important problem he is facing. However, he questions it through this understatement.

Example #13

Air Force One

ALICE I know… (beat) But lots a times I feel like it’s me versus the world.  Some kid at school teases me and the same day a plague breaks out in Bangladesh.  I mean it doesn’t take a genius to figure which is more important.

Alice speaks these words in the movie Air Force One, with reference to his own problems vis-à-vis the problems that the world faces at different places. He thinks that he is equal to the whole world that is an understatement that he is belittling the importance of happenings in the world, such as the plague of Bangladesh by equating it with the teasing of a kid.

Example # 14

From Tomorrow Never Dies

HARMSWAY In any case, this is my father, Charles: A royal bastard who started the first radio and television stations. Said I’d never amount to anything, but…(passing his own portrait) I turned it into this.

Speaking to Bond, Harmsway tells him about Hong Kong and his father, Charles, who started his ration and television business. He tries to belittle his role by pointing to his painting that he has turned his father into this picture. This shows his apparent disregard for his parentage, though the hanging of the painting on the wall points to his inner desire to preserve it. This is a good understatement about one’s parentage and their legacy.

Example #15

Narrator Since the disintegration of her parents’ marriage, she’d only loved two things. The first was her long blonde hair.

The narrator speaks these words at the beginning of the movie, 500 of Summer, and tells about Summer, the girl. He is of the view that she loves her blonde hair and they are very important for her after the disintegration of the marriage of her parents. This seems a good understatement that only hair has so much significance when the marriage disintegration has been belittled in comparison to hair.

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