Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition places two contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences, creating a powerful effect. In literature, it enhances theme, deepens character complexity, and underscores dramatic moments. This technique invites readers to compare and contrast, leading to richer interpretations. Whether in novels, poetry, or essays, juxtaposition sharpens distinctions, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

When someone calls another notoriously kind, what do they mean? The statement or phrase notoriously kind is a mix of two contradictory words paired with one another to create a whole new meaning. This phrase is an example of a juxtaposition, in a literary sense.

What is Juxtaposition? 

Juxtaposition is a literary technique that places two or more elements side by side to highlight their contrasts or similarities. This method creates vivid imagery, emphasizes differences, or reveals hidden connections, enhancing the reader’s understanding and adding depth to the narrative. Juxtaposition is widely used in literature, art, and everyday language to provoke thought and elicit emotional responses.

When is Juxtaposition used?

Juxtaposition is used in various contexts to enhance meaning and impact:

1. Literature: To contrast characters, settings, or themes.
2. Art: To place contrasting elements side by side for visual impact.
3. Film and Photography: To create striking imagery and highlight differences.
4. Everyday Language: To emphasize differences or similarities in conversations or writing.
5. Advertising: To compare products and highlight advantages.

Juxtaposition Examples:

Juxtaposition Examples in Literature

Juxtaposition is a literary technique where two or more ideas, places, characters, and their actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem to develop comparisons and contrasts. Here are some examples from literature:

1. “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens:
   • Opening lines: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”
   • This famous opening contrasts extremes to highlight the contradictions and dualities of the era.
2. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare:
   • Light and dark imagery: “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon…”
   • Shakespeare contrasts light and darkness to enhance the theme of love and conflict.
3. “1984” by George Orwell:
   • The Party’s slogans: “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
   • These contradictory statements highlight the manipulation and control within the dystopian society.
4. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen:
   • Character juxtaposition: Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
   • Their differing personalities and backgrounds emphasize themes of class, marriage, and personal growth.
5. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
   • Good and evil: The characters of Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell.
   • Their contrasting moral compasses highlight the themes of justice and racism.
6. “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens:
   • Wealth and poverty: The lives of Pip and Joe Gargery.
   • This contrast emphasizes themes of social class and ambition.
7. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley:
   • Savage Reservation vs. World State: The contrasting societies.
   • This juxtaposition explores themes of civilization, control, and freedom.
8. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • East Egg vs. West Egg: Different social classes.
   • This contrast underscores themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream.
9. “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad:
   • Light and darkness imagery.
   • The juxtaposition is used to explore the themes of civilization versus savagery.
10. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley:

• Victor Frankenstein and his creation.
• Their contrasting natures and fates highlight themes of creation, ambition, and responsibility.

Juxtaposition Examples in Art

Juxtaposition in art involves placing two or more elements together to highlight their differences and create a contrasting effect. Here are some notable examples:

1. Salvador Dalí – “The Persistence of Memory” (1931):
   • Surreal juxtaposition of melting clocks in a natural landscape.
   • The contrast between the fluid, distorted clocks and the solid, realistic background creates a dreamlike, unsettling effect.
2. René Magritte – “The Son of Man” (1964):
   • A man in a suit with an apple obscuring his face.
   • The ordinary, realistic image of a man is juxtaposed with the bizarre placement of the apple, challenging viewers’ perceptions of reality.
3. Pablo Picasso – “Guernica” (1937):
   • Juxtaposes elements of chaos and destruction with symbols of peace.
   • The black-and-white palette and fragmented forms highlight the horrors of war.
4. Michelangelo – The Sistine Chapel Ceiling (1508-1512):
   • Juxtaposition of divine and human figures.
   • The creation scenes juxtapose the divine presence of God with the human figures, emphasizing the connection between the divine and mortal worlds.
5. Banksy – “Balloon Girl” (2002):
   • A young girl reaching for a red balloon, contrasted against a gray, urban background.
   • The colorful balloon symbolizes hope and innocence against the stark, dreary environment.
6. Yayoi Kusama – “Infinity Mirror Rooms” (1965-present):
   • Juxtaposes infinite reflections with singular objects.
   • The use of mirrors creates a surreal, infinite space, contrasting with the physical limitations of the gallery.
7. Frida Kahlo – “The Two Fridas” (1939):
   • Juxtaposition of two versions of herself: one in traditional Mexican attire and the other in a European dress.
   • This contrast explores themes of identity, cultural duality, and personal struggle.
8. Henri Rousseau – “The Dream” (1910):
   • Juxtaposes a reclining woman in a lush, exotic jungle.
   • The realistic depiction of the woman contrasts with the fantastical, dreamlike setting.
9. David Hockney – “A Bigger Splash” (1967):
   • Contrasts the splash of water with the stillness of the surrounding environment.
   • The dynamic movement of the water is juxtaposed with the calm, static scene, creating a striking visual effect.
10. Grant Wood – “American Gothic” (1930):

• Juxtaposes the stern, traditional figures of a farmer and his daughter with the Gothic-style house in the background.
• The contrast between the figures’ expressions and the architectural style highlights themes of rural American life and cultural heritage.

Juxtaposition Examples in Movies

Juxtaposition in movies is used to create contrast between characters, scenes, themes, or visual elements to enhance the storytelling. Here are some notable examples:

1. “The Godfather” (1972):
   • Juxtaposition of the baptism scene with the assassination of the Corleone family’s enemies.
   • The sacred ceremony contrasts sharply with the violent killings, highlighting the duality of Michael Corleone’s life.
2. “Schindler’s List” (1993):
   • The girl in the red coat amidst the black-and-white film.
   • This striking use of color amidst the monochrome emphasizes the innocence lost during the Holocaust.
3. “Forrest Gump” (1994):
   • Juxtaposition of Forrest’s simple, kind-hearted nature with the complex, often harsh realities of the world around him.
   • The contrast highlights themes of innocence, destiny, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
4. “Black Swan” (2010):
   • The juxtaposition of Nina’s white swan persona with her black swan persona.
   • The duality emphasizes her internal struggle and descent into madness.
5. “Pulp Fiction” (1994):
   • Juxtaposition of different storylines and timelines.
   • The non-linear narrative contrasts different characters and events, creating a rich, interconnected tapestry of stories.
6. “Up” (2009):
   • Juxtaposition of the joyful opening sequence of Carl and Ellie’s life together with the subsequent sadness of Ellie’s death.
   • This contrast sets up the emotional journey of the main character.
7. “American Beauty” (1999):
   • Juxtaposition of suburban life’s facade with the underlying dysfunction.
   • The contrast reveals the characters’ hidden desires and struggles, critiquing the notion of the American Dream.
8. “The Dark Knight” (2008):
   • The juxtaposition of Batman and the Joker.
   • Their contrasting moral philosophies and methods highlight themes of chaos versus order and justice versus anarchy.
9. “Inception” (2010):
   • Juxtaposition of different dream layers and realities.
   • The complex layering of dreams contrasts with the real world, exploring themes of perception and reality.
10. “Parasite” (2019):

• Juxtaposition of the poor Kim family’s semi-basement home with the wealthy Park family’s luxurious house.
• The stark contrast between the living conditions emphasizes themes of class disparity and social inequality.

Juxtaposition Examples in Poetry

Juxtaposition in poetry involves placing two or more contrasting elements close together to highlight their differences or to create a specific effect. Here are some examples of juxtaposition in poetry:

1. “The Tyger” by William Blake:
   • “Tyger Tyger, burning bright, / In the forests of the night;”
   • Juxtaposes the fierce, powerful tiger with the dark, mysterious forest, exploring themes of creation and destruction.
2. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas:
   • “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
   • Juxtaposes the passive acceptance of death with a fierce resistance, emphasizing the struggle against mortality.
3. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot:
   • “April is the cruellest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land,”
   • Juxtaposes the renewal of spring with the barrenness of the wasteland, highlighting themes of regeneration and despair.
4. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats:
   • “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! / No hungry generations tread thee down;”
   • Juxtaposes the eternal song of the nightingale with the transient nature of human life, exploring themes of immortality and fleeting existence.
5. “A Dream Within a Dream” by Edgar Allan Poe:
   • “All that we see or seem / Is but a dream within a dream.”
   • Juxtaposes reality with illusion, questioning the nature of existence and perception.
6. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost:
   • “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by,”
   • Juxtaposes the two paths in the woods, symbolizing different life choices and their consequences.
7. “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare:
   • “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate:”
   • Juxtaposes the beauty of a summer day with the enduring beauty of the beloved, highlighting the theme of eternal love.
8. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth:
   • “I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o’er vales and hills,”
   • Juxtaposes the poet’s loneliness with the joyful beauty of the daffodils, emphasizing the transformative power of nature.
9. “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost:
   • “Some say the world will end in fire, / Some say in ice.”
   • Juxtaposes fire and ice to explore themes of passion and destruction, as well as the potential causes of the world’s end.
10. “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson:
    • “Because I could not stop for Death – / He kindly stopped for me –”
    • Juxtaposes the inevitability of death with the gentleness of its approach, exploring themes of mortality and the afterlife.

Juxtaposition Examples in Songs

Juxtaposition in songs can be used to create powerful contrasts between themes, emotions, or imagery. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Imagine” by John Lennon:
   • “Imagine there’s no heaven / It’s easy if you try / No hell below us / Above us only sky”
   • Juxtaposes the concept of an ideal, peaceful world with the harsh realities of the existing world.
2. “Hey Ya!” by OutKast:
   • Upbeat, energetic music contrasts with lyrics about a failing relationship.
   • The juxtaposition creates a complex emotional experience, highlighting the tension between appearance and reality.
3. “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette:
   • “It’s like rain on your wedding day / It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid”
   • Juxtaposes ironic situations to explore the unpredictability and contradictions of life.
4. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen:
   • “Love is not a victory march / It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah”
   • Juxtaposes the sacred and the profane, highlighting the complexity and pain of love.
5. “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve:
   • “Try to make ends meet, you’re a slave to money then you die”
   • Juxtaposes the beautiful, orchestral melody with lyrics about life’s struggles and materialism.
6. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day:
   • “I walk a lonely road / The only one that I have ever known”
   • Juxtaposes the idea of a “boulevard” (a typically lively, populated place) with the loneliness and isolation described in the lyrics.
7. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police:
   • “Every breath you take / Every move you make / I’ll be watching you”
   • The soothing, melodic tune contrasts with the obsessive, stalker-like lyrics, creating a dissonance that underscores the unsettling nature of the song.
8. “Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse:
   • Upbeat, Motown-inspired melody contrasts with lyrics about heartbreak and moving on.
   • This juxtaposition highlights the resilience and complexity of dealing with emotional pain.
9. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams:
   • “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof”
   • The carefree, joyful music is juxtaposed with the metaphor of being uncontained and limitless, emphasizing a sense of unbounded happiness.
10. “Royals” by Lorde:
    • “And we’ll never be royals / It don’t run in our blood”
    • Juxtaposes the opulent imagery of luxury and royalty with the reality of a simpler, more grounded life, critiquing materialism and celebrity culture.

Juxtaposition Examples in Disney Movies

Juxtaposition in Disney movies often enhances storytelling by contrasting characters, settings, themes, and emotions. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Beauty and the Beast” (1991):
   • The contrast between Belle and the Beast.
   • Belle’s beauty and kindness are juxtaposed with the Beast’s outwardly monstrous appearance, highlighting themes of inner beauty and transformation.
2. “The Lion King” (1994):
   • The juxtaposition of the Pride Lands under Mufasa’s rule and Scar’s rule.
   • The vibrant, thriving kingdom under Mufasa contrasts with the barren, desolate state of the Pride Lands under Scar, emphasizing the consequences of good versus evil leadership.
3. “Frozen” (2013):
   • Juxtaposition of Elsa’s ice powers and Anna’s warm, outgoing personality.
   • Elsa’s icy powers and isolation contrast with Anna’s warmth and sociability, highlighting themes of fear versus love and isolation versus connection.
4. “Cinderella” (1950):
   • The contrast between Cinderella’s life before and after the ball.
   • Cinderella’s life of hardship and servitude is juxtaposed with the magical, glamorous experience at the ball, emphasizing themes of transformation and hope.
5. “Aladdin” (1992):
   • The contrast between Aladdin’s humble beginnings and the opulence of the Sultan’s palace.
   • Aladdin’s life as a “diamond in the rough” contrasts with the wealth and luxury of the palace, highlighting themes of identity and true worth.
6. “The Little Mermaid” (1989):
   • Juxtaposition of Ariel’s underwater world and the human world.
   • The vibrant, colorful ocean world contrasts with the human world above, emphasizing Ariel’s longing for a different life and the theme of belonging.
7. “Mulan” (1998):
   • The contrast between Mulan’s life as a traditional woman and her life as a warrior.
   • Mulan’s constrained, traditional role at home contrasts with her empowered, courageous role in the army, highlighting themes of gender roles and self-discovery.
8. “Tangled” (2010):
   • Juxtaposition of Rapunzel’s tower and the outside world.
   • The confined, isolated tower contrasts with the vast, adventurous outside world, emphasizing Rapunzel’s growth and quest for freedom.
9. “Zootopia” (2016):
   • The contrast between Judy Hopps, a small, optimistic rabbit, and the larger, more cynical predators she encounters.
   • This juxtaposition highlights themes of prejudice, ambition, and the complexity of societal roles.
10. “Moana” (2016):
    • The juxtaposition of Moana’s island life and the vast, unknown ocean.
    • Moana’s secure but limiting life on the island contrasts with the adventurous and dangerous ocean journey, emphasizing themes of exploration, courage, and identity.

More Juxtaposition Templates & Examples:

1. Juxtaposition and Intent

2. Juxtaposing in Persuasive Writing

3. Juxtaposition Sample

4. Clausal Juxtaposition

5. Juxtaposition PDF

6. Juxtaposition Example

7. Basic Juxtaposition

8. Printable Juxtaposition

9. Juxtaposition of Source Files

10. Juxtaposition and Non-Motion

11. Juxtaposition Activity

12. Juxtaposition Template Example

13. Juxtaposition Format

14. Juxtaposition Literary

Juxtaposition vs. Oxymoron

Aspect	Juxtaposition	Oxymoron
Definition	Placing two or more elements side by side	Combining two contradictory terms
Purpose	Highlight contrasts or similarities	Create a paradoxical effect
Example	A wealthy neighborhood next to a poor one	“Deafening silence”
Usage	Widely used in literature, art, film, and everyday language	Common in literature and rhetoric
Effect on Audience	Provokes thought and emphasizes differences or connections	Creates a striking, memorable phrase
Complexity	Can involve more complex structures	Generally involves short, simple phrases
Visual or Conceptual	Can be both visual and conceptual	Primarily conceptual
Length	Can involve larger sections of text or entire scenes	Typically short, concise expressions

Synonyms & Antonyms for Juxtapositions

Synonyms	Antonyms
Contrast	Separation
Comparison	Isolation
Collocation	Division
Apposition	Disconnection
Proximity	Distance
Adjacency	Remoteness
Placement	Detachment
Arrangement	Segregation
Conjunction	Divergence
Alignment	Disjunction
Opposition	Apartness
Comparison	Disparity
Nearness	Dissociation
Parallels	Divergence
Analogies	Gap
Relationships	Isolation
Similes	Division
Contrasts	Separation
Coordination	Estrangement
Combination	Alienation

How to create your own Juxtapositions