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Epanorthosis

Updated Feb 2, 2023

The Power of Epanorthosis: A Rhetorical Device That Commands Attention

Have you ever come across a statement or phrase that seems contradictory at first, only to be immediately corrected? That, my dear readers, is the power of epanorthosis, a remarkable rhetorical device that demands attention and leaves a lasting impact on the audience. In this article, we will explore the beauty and effectiveness of epanorthosis, along with some captivating examples that will surely captivate your imagination.

Understanding the Art of Epanorthosis

Epanorthosis, derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "anorthoun" meaning "to correct," is a powerful rhetorical device used to emphasize or correct a previous statement. By immediately restating or revising a preceding phrase, the speaker or writer aims to draw attention, highlight significance, or add emphasis to their intended message.

The Impact of Epanorthosis in Everyday Language

Although epanorthosis is often associated with formal speeches, it also plays a significant role in everyday communication. By utilizing this rhetorical device, we can effectively emphasize our words, express strong emotions, or even inject humor into our conversations. Let's explore a few examples to illustrate the versatility and impact of epanorthosis:

  1. "I am not a perfectionist—well, maybe just a little bit of a perfectionist."

    In this example, the speaker initially denies being a perfectionist, only to correct themselves immediately by acknowledging a small degree of perfectionism. By using epanorthosis, the speaker emphasizes their attention to detail and desire for excellence.

  2. "That movie was great! No, scratch that—it was absolutely phenomenal!"

    Here, the speaker initially describes the movie as "great," but quickly corrects themselves by replacing the word with a more powerful and enthusiastic term, "absolutely phenomenal." Epanorthosis is employed to intensify the impact of their statement, emphasizing their strong positive opinion.

  3. "I've never been to a more boring event—not counting that time I attended the lecture on paint drying."

    In this humorous example, the speaker first asserts attending a particularly boring event. However, they immediately correct themselves by humorously mentioning an even more tedious experience, the lecture on paint drying. By employing epanorthosis, the speaker skillfully adds humor and engages the audience with unexpected exaggeration.

Epanorthosis in Famous Speeches and Literature

Epanorthosis is a rhetorical device that has been utilized by great orators and writers throughout history to create memorable speeches and literary works. Let's explore a couple of notable examples:

  1. "We have not journeyed all this way across the centuries, across the oceans, across the mountains, across the prairies, because we are made of sugar candy." - Winston Churchill

    In this excerpt from one of Winston Churchill's speeches, he initially describes the journey as a result of historical events and geographical challenges. However, by using epanorthosis, Churchill emphasizes the resilience and determination of the people, correcting any misconception that they are weak or easily defeated.

  2. "It is the tale, not he who tells it." - Stephen King, "The Body"

    In this line from Stephen King's novel "The Body," the narrator emphasizes the importance of the story itself rather than the person narrating it. By employing epanorthosis, King highlights the significance of the narrative, redirecting the focus to the tale's impact rather than the storyteller's identity.

Conclusion

Epanorthosis, the rhetorical device of restating or revising a previous statement, holds immense power in capturing attention, emphasizing ideas, and creating memorable moments. Whether used in everyday conversations, speeches, or literature, this technique adds depth, humor, and emphasis to our words. By harnessing the power of epanorthosis, we can become more effective communicators, leaving a lasting impact on our audience and captivating their minds with our words.

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