what is juxtaposition?
definition
The act of placing two words or ideas side by side for effect, especially for contrast or comparison. It is a literary device which is employed to bring out similarities and differences between two situations, thoughts, characters or emotions. In placing them together, the writer highlights a detail for the reader.
example
John F. Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
explanation
In this example, John F. Kennedy is making the reader/listener consider their relationship to their country and their attitude towards life. With this simple phrase, John gets his audience to consider their attitudes and beliefs on a local and global level. He has juxtaposed the image of a citizen asking for help with that of a citizen volunteering to contribute. So, he has placed these two ideas side by side with the intention of making the positive attitude look more admirable.
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