Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What effect does epanalepsis create in writing?

1. It introduces a new theme in the narrative

2. It emphasizes a word or phrase by placing it at the beginning and end

3. It alters the rhythm of the poem

4. It combines several metaphors into one

The correct answer is: It emphasizes a word or phrase by placing it at the beginning and end

Epanalepsis is a rhetorical device that involves repeating a word or phrase at the beginning and the end of a sentence or clause. This structure serves to emphasize that particular word or phrase, creating a sense of closure or reinforcing the significance of the idea it conveys. By framing a statement in this way, the writer can draw the reader's attention to its importance, creating a powerful resonance that enhances the emotional or thematic weight of the text. For instance, if a sentence began and ended with "time," as in "Time is a thief that robs us of our youth, and in the end, time slips away," the repetition circles back to the central idea of the fleeting nature of time, highlighting its pervasive impact. This technique not only reinforces the concept being expressed but also creates a satisfying symmetry in the sentence structure, contributing to the overall aesthetic and impact of the writing.