How to Write an Epistrophe
In order to use epistrophe,
- Think of what you want to emphasize.
- Repeat that phrase at the end of successive sentences.
For example, imagine you are happy for a friend who has successfully been admitted to college:
Normal phrase:
Congratulations! You worked so hard, and put so much of yourself into that application, and your hard work paid off—you got in!
In order to emphasize excitement over your friend’s success, repeat the phrase “you got in!”
Phrase with Epistrophe:
Congratulations! You worked so hard, and you got in! You put so much of yourself into that application, and you got in! Your hard work paid off—you got in!
With the repetition of “you got in,” the excitement of the news is emphasized and the compelling emotion of the speaker becomes clear.
For a second example, imagine you are frustrated with your little brother who won’t listen.
Normal phrase:
I tell you not to hurt yourself, to take better care of yourself, and to pay more attention, but do you listen? No! You never listen!
The basis of your frustration is that your brother doesn’t listen. To emphasize this, repeat “You don’t listen!”
Phrase with Epistrophe:
I tell you not to hurt yourself, but you don’t listen. I tell you to take better care of yourself, but you don’t listen. I tell you to pay more attention, but you don’t listen!
With repetition of this phrase, the frustration is more tangible than in a normal sentence.
When to Use Epistrophe
Epistrophe can be used in numerous situations including everyday conversation, poetry and prose, plays, movies and television shows, advertisements, and speeches. Epistrophe is effective in passages that are emotionally-compelling, important, and powerful. Epistrophe is a powerful tool of persuasion and pathos. Because epistrophe is a rhetorical device, it should only be used in situations that are artistic and creative rather than technical venues where clean, literal language is preferable.