Epanalepsis is a rhetorical device that repeats the same word or phrase at both the beginning and end of a sentence, clause, or paragraph. It is used to catch the reader's attention and amplify or emphasize the repeated element. Examples like "Common sense is seldom common" and "Run, Forest, run!" demonstrate how epanalepsis grabs attention through repetition. The document explains that while the repeated elements sometimes have the same meaning, they can also differ, making it an antistasis as well as epanalepsis. It concludes that this rhetorical device boosts the importance of what is repeated, helping the main point stick in the reader's memory.

1. STATE OF MIND COACHING
Greek Figure of Repetition
Epanalepsis
Common sense is seldom common.
Nothing is worse than doing nothing.
First things first. –Stephen R. Covey
Run, Forest, run! –Jenny,Forrest Gump
Drill, baby, drill –Sarah Palin
Nobody beats our prices, nobody.
The difference that makes the difference.
The blind leading the blind.
Go West, young man, go West.
How/Why This Works
Sounds like someone likes a catchy sound. That's what this device does, it does just
that, it catches. There are few things more catchy out there. Enough is enough.
Epanalepsis grabs your attention and makes you pay attention. Sometimes the first use
means the same as the second use, but not always. When it's not, it's an antistasis, also.
The second occurrence boosts the importance of the first. It amplifies it. Use this when
you want to make your main point and have it stick and be remembered later.
Copyright 2011 Jade Handy