Epistrophe, also known as epiphora, is a powerful rhetorical device that employs the repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or sentences. This stylistic technique can create a rhythmic and memorable effect, making the text more engaging and impactful. It is often used in literature, speeches, and persuasive writing to emphasize a point, evoke emotion, or drive home a message.

Epistrophe can be found in various forms of writing, from poetry and prose to advertising and political speeches. It can be used to create a sense of closure, to reinforce a theme, or to build a crescendo of emotion. For example, in a political speech, a speaker might use epistrophe to emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation:

"Together we stand, divided we fall. United in purpose, we can overcome any obstacle. With one voice, we will be heard."

In this example, the repetition of the word "we" at the end of each clause reinforces the idea of unity and collective action.

Another example can be seen in the famous "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr., where he uses epistrophe to emphasize the dream of freedom and equality:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day... on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood."

Here, the repetition of "I have a dream" at the end of each sentence builds momentum and passion, making the speech more powerful and memorable.

Epistrophe can also be used in poetry to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. For instance, in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the repetition of the phrase "two roads diverged" at the end of the first and last stanzas creates a sense of reflection and decision-making:

```
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
...
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
```

In this poem, the repetition of the phrase "two roads diverged" bookends the poem, emphasizing the significance of the choice made and the impact it has on the speaker's life.

Epistrophe is a versatile tool in the writer's or speaker's arsenal, capable of enhancing the emotional and thematic depth of any text. By strategically placing repeated words or phrases at the end of sentences, authors and speakers can create a strong sense of unity, rhythm, and emphasis that resonates with readers or listeners.

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Definition of Epistrophe. ... Epistrophe is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the ends of the clauses or sentences. It is also called --epiphora.-- Epistrophe examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing, and in speeches.read more >>