epistrophe

Epistrophe is a figure of speech in which the same word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive clauses or sentences. By placing the repetition at the end, epistrophe creates emphasis and a sense of cadence or finality. It contrasts with anaphora, the repetition at the beginning of clauses; together these devices shape rhythm and mood in a text.

Origin and use: The term derives from Greek epistrophe, from epi- “upon” or “after” and strophe “turn” or “turning.” Epistrophe has a long history in classical rhetoric, literature, and religious sermons, and remains common in public speaking and poetry. Notable examples include Abraham Lincoln’s phrase “government of the people, by the people, for the people” and other lines that end successive clauses with the same word.

Purpose and effects: Epistrophe reinforces ideas, creates a memorable cadence, and heightens emotional impact by closing each clause on the same term. It is often used to unify a passage, punctuate a point, or lend a sense of inevitability. It is frequently found alongside other devices such as anaphora and parallelism, and can be employed in formal rhetoric as well as contemporary writing.