An epistrophe is a rhetorical scheme which repeats words or phrases at the end of consecutive sentences or clauses. It is also called an epiphora.
Epistrophe is used to place emphasis on an idea or point. The term is from the Greek meaning "turning upon," indicating the same word or words "return to" the end of each sentence. Epistrophe is often used in speeches and in poetry, but it can also be seen in prose. The opposite of epistrophe is anaphora, which repeats the same word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences.
Like all rhetorical schemes, epistrophe relies on the syntax and word order of a sentence or group of sentences to help make a point and add interest to a piece. Normally repetition creates uninteresting, predictable, and, at times, tedious writing and therefore should be avoided. Rhetorical schemes which use repetition, however, turn these weaknesses into strengths. When used well, epistrophe can create a sense of familiarity and connection between the piece and the audience because of the predictability of the repeated words. That repetition also helps to drive home a point by forcing the audience's attention on those words.
Epistrophe is used to place emphasis on an idea or point. The term is from the Greek meaning "turning upon," indicating the same word or words "return to" the end of each sentence. Epistrophe is often used in speeches and in poetry, but it can also be seen in prose. The opposite of epistrophe is anaphora, which repeats the same word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences.
Like all rhetorical schemes, epistrophe relies on the syntax and word order of a sentence or group of sentences to help make a point and add interest to a piece. Normally repetition creates uninteresting, predictable, and, at times, tedious writing and therefore should be avoided. Rhetorical schemes which use repetition, however, turn these weaknesses into strengths. When used well, epistrophe can create a sense of familiarity and connection between the piece and the audience because of the predictability of the repeated words. That repetition also helps to drive home a point by forcing the audience's attention on those words.