What is juxtaposition?

Juxtaposition is the deliberate placing of two contrasting words or concepts next to each other, in order to create a stark comparison. It is very often done in writing in order to highlight their differences.Common examples include light and dark, good and evil, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)This doesn't have to be in writing either; if a waiter gave you a plate in a restaurant with a pork chop and a chocolate cake on it, you would note the juxtaposition of the two very different foods.

AF
Answered by Alastair F. English tutor

8194 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What literary techniques does the author use to convey the atmosphere of the scene in the extract?


How can I best prepare for an English Literature exam?


What should I be looking for with an unseen poem?


How do I approach an unseen poem in an exam?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning