Repetition as Rhetorical Strategy

Analyze how anaphora, epistrophe, and other repetition serve a writer's purpose.

Repetition is one of the oldest rhetorical tools, and its forms have names. Anaphora repeats words at the beginning of successive clauses; epistrophe repeats them at the end; and repeated key terms throughout a text can define what an argument is about. The question for analysis is always purpose: what does this repetition do? Consider two original examples. Anaphora: 'We cannot wait for perfect data. We cannot wait for another study. We cannot wait for someone else to act. ' The repetition builds urgency and makes the refusal to wait feel unanimous.

Epistrophe: 'They planned without us, they decided without us, and now they want to celebrate without us. ' The repeated ending insists on exclusion, so every clause lands on the same grievance. Repetition can also emphasize, create rhythm for memory, or unify a long speech. When you write about it, avoid 'the author uses repetition to emphasize. ' Specify what is emphasized and why that emphasis serves the argument.

• 1Anaphora repeats openings; epistrophe repeats endings.
• 2Repetition can build urgency, unity, or memorability.
• 3Always explain what is emphasized and why.