climax |
cli'-max | Gk. "ladder" |
Also sp. klimax, clymax | |
gradatio, incrementum | |
the marching figure, gradation |
Generally, the arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance, often in parallel structure. More specifically, climax is the repetition of the last word of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next, through several clauses or sentences (= anadiplosis) | ||
Examples | ||
Miss America
was not so much interested in serving herself as she was eager to serve
her family, her community, and her nation.
The following passage from the Bible shows
that version of climax that is synonymous with anadiplosis: |
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Related Figures | ||
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See Also | ||
Sources: | Ad Herennium 4.25.34 ("gradatio");Melanch. IR d1r-v ("gradatio" "climax"); Sherry (1550) 58 ("climax," "gradacio"); Peacham (1577) Q2v-Q3r ("incrementum," "climax"); Fraunce (1588) 1.17-18 ("climax," "gradation"); Putt. (1589) 217 ("clymax," "the marching figure"); Day 1599 91 ("auxesis," "incrementum"), 94 ("climax," "gradatio" [=anadiplosis]); Hoskins 1599 12 (=anadiplosis). |
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