What is antithesis as a literary device?

Antithesis is accurately defined as a figure of speech that expresses opposition or contrast. This literary device involves placing two contrasting ideas or images next to each other to highlight their differences, often using parallel structure to enhance the effect. For example, in the phrase "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," the use of opposing concepts emphasizes the complexity of the situation being described.

This device is effective in drawing attention to the contrast between the ideas, allowing readers to appreciate the nuances in the text. The other options do not capture the essence of antithesis; they focus on aspects like structure, metaphor, or repetition, which do not pertain to the core function of antithesis in literature.