Juxtaposition is a powerful tool in the hands of a writer. It’s a technique that can make your story more engaging and your themes more impactful. But what exactly is juxtaposition, and how do authors use it effectively? Let’s break it down.
What is juxtaposition?
Juxtaposition is the act of placing two or more elements side by side to highlight their differences, or sometimes their similarities. In literature, this often means putting contrasting characters, settings, or ideas next to each other in a way that enhances the reader’s understanding of each. The contrast created by juxtaposition helps to draw out the unique qualities of each element, making them more vivid and memorable.
For example, consider a scene in a novel where a bright, cheerful morning is immediately followed by a description of a gloomy, stormy afternoon. The stark difference between the two settings emphasises the change in mood or the passage of time, making the reader more aware of the emotional or narrative shift.
Why writers use juxtaposition
Writers use juxtaposition for several reasons, including:
- Making the differences between two contrasting elements more apparent. This can help to clarify themes, draw attention to character traits, or create a more dynamic narrative.
- Building tension by contrasting calm and chaos, joy and sorrow, or other opposing forces. This unexpected shift can surprise the reader, keeping them engaged in the story.
- Exploring complex themes by showing how different ideas or perspectives relate to each other. For example, contrasting innocence with experience can deepen a reader’s understanding of both concepts within the context of the story.
Examples of juxtaposition in books
Let’s take a look at several examples on juxtaposition.
1. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Dickens famously begins the novel with the line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. This is a classic example of juxtaposition, contrasting two opposing conditions to highlight the duality of the era he’s describing.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The character of Atticus Finch is often juxtaposed with the racist attitudes of the town of Maycomb. By placing Atticus’s moral integrity next to the town’s prejudice, Lee highlights the themes of justice and inequality.
3. 1984 by George Orwell
Orwell juxtaposes the oppressive control of the Party with the protagonist Winston’s desire for freedom. The stark contrast between Winston’s internal world and the external society underscores the novel’s themes of surveillance, control, and individuality.
How to write your own juxtapositions
If you’re looking to add juxtaposition to your own writing, here are some tips to get you started:
- Think about the key themes, characters, or settings in your story that you want to highlight. What elements can you contrast to bring these out more vividly?
- Juxtaposition works best when the contrasting elements are placed close together in your narrative. This could be within the same scene, or across back-to-back scenes.
- Think about how the juxtaposition will affect your reader’s understanding of the story. Are you trying to create tension, surprise, or deepen a theme? Make sure your juxtaposition serves your overall narrative goal.
- You can juxtapose characters, settings, themes, or even dialogue. Experiment with different combinations to see which contrasts have the most impact in your story.
Juxtaposition FAQs
1. Can juxtaposition be subtle
Absolutely. While some juxtapositions are very obvious, others can be understated. Even a small contrast, like a character’s internal thoughts versus their external actions, can have a powerful effect.
2. Is juxtaposition the same as irony?
Not exactly. While both involve contrasts, irony typically involves an unexpected outcome or a twist where the opposite of what you expect happens. Juxtaposition, on the other hand, is about placing contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences.
3. Can juxtaposition be used in non-fiction?
Yes, juxtaposition is a versatile technique that can be used in all types of writing, including non-fiction.
4. How does juxtaposition differ from antithesis?
Juxtaposition places contrasting elements side by side, but antithesis specifically refers to a direct contrast of opposing ideas ideas or concepts within a sentence or a passage.
