Giving Explanations

Worksheet Description

This worksheet on antithesis challenges students to explore the depth of this literary device which juxtaposes contrasting ideas in a parallel structure to emphasize a point or create an impactful argument. Antithesis can add drama or a layer of complexity to writing by placing opposing thoughts side by side, making the contrast stark and the choices clear. As seen with Neil Armstrong’s famous words, the device underscores the small step of an individual against the monumental progress of humanity.

The task set forth in the worksheet asks students to interpret classic examples of antithesis from renowned writers like Goethe, Alexander Pope, and Shakespeare. The exercise prompts students to delve into each statement, discerning the contrasting elements and discussing the implied meanings. For example, Goethe’s quote suggests that love is often idealized while marriage is the practical embodiment of that ideal, possibly more complex and less romantic. In the second instance, Pope’s statement contrasts human fallibility with the divine nature of forgiveness, implying that to forgive is to aspire to a higher moral standard. The exercise not only sharpens analytical thinking but also encourages appreciation for the nuanced craftsmanship in literature.