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# What is Repetition: Examples of Literary Repetition Devices
- URL: https://brookevitale.com/blog/repetition-meaning/
- Published: 2022-04-18T21:07:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-09T20:15:22.000Z
- Description: A detailed guide to 10 literary devices that use repetition including anaphora and epizeuxis, and sound repetition devices such as consonance and alliteration.
- Author: Andrew Vitale
- Tags: Writing

## What is repetition?

Repetition is a literary device in which a writer intentionally repeats the same word or phrase for effect. Repetition of words is most effective when the words are used in close proximity to each other, while repetition of a phrase is most effective when a phrase is used several times in a book, or repeated in every book within a series.

## Why does repetition matter?

Our brains are naturally trained to find patterns. In math. In art. And in writing. We focus in on them and file them away as something important. Repetition in writing is the same way. It is a red flag shouting to a reader “Here I am. Pay attention!”

But repetition is more than that. Especially in books for young readers, repetition is a way to support early reading. Repeating the same thing over and over, a child gets familiar with it. Seeing the same pattern of letters or words over and over again allows young readers to recognize and commit them to memory.

Repetition also gives a story a level of predictability. It allows young readers to guess what will happen next or what the next line of text will be, which gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment over reading the story.

And of course, it’s fun! Kids love knowing what’s coming next and shouting out the answer before an adult gets to it!

## What are the types of repetition?

Writers typically employ ten types of repetition: Epizeuxis, Anaphora, Mesodiplosis, Epistrophe, Symploce, Antanclasis, Antistasis, Negative-Positive Restatement, Diacope, and Gradatio.

### What is epizeuxis?

Epizeuxis is the repetition of a single word or phrase in rapid succession. This form of repetition is often used for dramatic effect. For example, emphasizing a character character’s distress by showing them sinking to their knees and crying “Why, why, why!” or showcasing an adamant refusal (or disbelief) with the sentence, “Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no! No!”

Shakespeare made liberal use of Epizeuxis repetition. Perhaps one of his most famous epizeuxis examples comes from *King Lear*, after his daughter has died:

*“Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life,*

*and thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more,*

*never, never, never, never, never!”*

### What is anaphora?

Anaphora is the repetition of a single word or phrase at the beginning of several sentences or clauses in a row. Anaphora helps to create a rhythm to the text, and helps to string together related ideas.

Take a look at this anaphora example from *A Tale of Two Cities* by Charles Dickens:

*“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”*

In children’s books, anaphora is often used to create a sense of familiarity in the text. By repeating the same words over and over, children can begin to anticipate and get excited about what will come with the turn of a page.

Below is an example of anaphora repetition from, [How to Pick a Pet](https://shop.chargemommybooks.com/products/how-to-pick-a-pet?ref=brookevitale.com) written by Brooke Vitale, and published by [Charge Mommy Books](https://shop.chargemommybooks.com/?ref=brookevitale.com).

![An example of anaphora repetition from the books Bug Hunt and How to Pick a Pet by Brooke Vitale, published by Charge Mommy Books](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-anaphora-repetition-example.jpg)

### What is mesodiplosis?

Mesodiplosis is the repetition of a word or phrase in the middle of several concurrent sentences or clauses. Below is an example of mesosiplosis:

*“He was happy, but not elated. He was sad, but not devastated. He was confused, but not totally lost.”*

Here, the words “but not” are repeated in all three sentences, making the sentence structure repetitive.

### What is epistrophe?

Epistrophe, also knowns as epiphora, is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of several sentences or clauses in a row. As with amphora, epistrophe is used to drive home a point. It places the emphasis on the end of the sentence to heighten emotion going into the next sentence.

Take a look at this epistrophe example from the Gettsyburg Address:

*“…that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”*

Here, Abraham Lincoln, in trying to reunite two warring sides of the country, used the words “the people” to drive home the idea that it is the people who make a country.

Below are examples of epistrophe repetition from two early reader books,[How to Pick a Pet and Bug Hunt](https://shop.chargemommybooks.com/collections/early-reader-books?ref=brookevitale.com), written by Brooke Vitale, and published by[Charge Mommy Books](https://shop.chargemommybooks.com/?ref=brookevitale.com).

![An example of epistrophe repetition from the books Bug Hunt and How to Pick a Pet by Brooke Vitale, published by Charge Mommy Books.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bb/ca/bbca9709-f64c-426c-94c5-41deebbf6557/content/images/2026/10/1080w-epistrophe-repetition-example.jpg)

### What is symploce?

Symploce is the repetition of words or phrases at both the beginning and the end of several sentences or clauses in a row. Symploce is a mix of anaphora and epistrophe. The repetition drives home the entire text, and is useful in trying to convince a reader of something.

Below is a symploce example from Shakespeare’s *Julius Caesar*:

*“Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended …”*

### What is antanaclasis?

Antanclasis is the repetition of the same word with two different meanings. Antanaclasis comes from the Greek word, "antanáklasis," which translates to "reflection." Antanaclasis is a type of pun, or play on words.

Below is an antanaclasis example from Shakespeare’s *Henry V*.

*“To England will I steal, and there I'll steal.”*

In this line, the character Pistol uses the word “steal” twice. In the first instance, he means that he will go to England. In the second, he is speaking of thievery. The repetition of the word draws the reader’s attention in a way that makes them stop and think about what is being said. A line like this cannot be glossed over. It commands the reader’s attention and demands they take notice.

### What is antistasis?

Antistasis is the repetition of the same word or phrase with two contrary meanings. Antistasis comes from the Greek meaning “to stand against” or “opposing position.” This is a more advanced form of antaclasis. The point here is the fact that the two uses of the language are at odds with each other.

One antistasis example is the common expression “Working hard or hardly working?” Here, the words “work” and “hard” are repeated, but with completely opposite meanings.

### What is negative-positive restatement?

Negative-positive restatement is a repetition technique in which the same statement is made twice, first negatively, and then with a positive spin put on it. This is not to say that something negative is first said but rather that the first statement is about what is “not” and the second statement is about what “is.” Not this, but that. Usually these two run in parallel with each other. One of the most famous negative-positive restatement examples are JFK’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Here's another negative-positive restatement example from Robert Louise Stevenson’s *Reflections and Remarks on Human Life*:

*"Our business in this world is not to succeed, but to continue to fail, in good spirits."*

In this case note that the words are not repeated. This is simply a case of stating the opposite sentiment in a positive way.

### What is diacope?

Diacope is when a statement is repeated with a new word (or two words) in between. The most famous example is from Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, who says “To be or not to be?” Here, the words “to be” are repeated, with “or not” inserted between them.

Here’s another diacope example: “What a terrible day. What a terrible, horrible day.” Repeating the sentiment of “What a terrible day” draws attention to the words, but by adding “horrible” the second time we are forced to really focus on the words and what they are telling us.

### What is gradatio?

Gradatio is when the ending of one sentence and the beginning of the next sentence use the same word or phrase. Gradatio is most often used in poetry, as it has a lyrical feel to it.

Below is a gradation example from William Shakespeare’s *As You Like It:*

“Your brother and my sister no sooner met but they looked; no sooner looked but they loved; no sooner loved but they sighed; no sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason; no sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy.”

> Pro Tip: here how the end of one clause and the beginning of the next are nearly identical. This naturally connects one line to the next creating a lyrical flow to the writing.

## What is repetition of sound?

Repetition traditionally refers to words or phrases, but repetition can also appear in the sounds words make. There are three ways to use sounds to display repetition. These three tools are called consonance, assonance, and alliteration.

### What is consonance?

Consonance is the repetition of a consonant sound somewhere in a sentence. This repetition can appear in the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence.

Below is a consonance example:

*“Her song was long. She sang it strong. Alas her song was wrong.”*

Here, the “ong” sound is repeated or emphasis.

Here is another consonance example from Shel Silverstein’s Invitation:

*“If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,*

*a hope-er, a pray-er, a magical bean buyer,*

*If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire.*”

In this case, it is the “er” sound that is repeated several times on each line.

### What is assonance?

Assonance, something called vowel rhyme, is the repetition of vowel sounds in close proximity.

Below is an assonance example from *My Fair Lady*:

*“The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”*

Here, the “ai” sound is repeated throughout the sentence.

### What is alliteration?

Alliteration is the repetition of the first consonant sound in a word. Alliteration is used in tongue twisters, such as the famous Peter Piper tongue twister:

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers; a peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. Here, it is the “P” sound that is repeated throughout.

Whether you are repeating words, phrases, or sounds, plan your language wisely to draw attention to the sections of your book you most need to draw attention to.