Anticlimax

Introduction

Anticlimax is a figure of speech characterized by a disappointing or underwhelming resolution or conclusion, often in contrast to the build-up of tension or expectation. In this article, we will explore this literary device, illustrating it with examples from literature.

Let’s start with defining anticlimax.

Anticlimax (figure of speech)

Anticlimax is a figure of speech where a sequence of ideas or expressions concludes with a sudden and disappointing decrease in importance or intensity, diverging from the expected build-up. Unlike climax, which involves a gradual increase in intensity, anticlimax disrupts the anticipated progression with an unexpected and often humorous letdown.

Here is an example of anticlimax to illustrate this figure of speech:

• She is a great writer, a mother, and a good humorist.

Here, the elements in the list are presented in a way that starts with what might be considered more substantial (being a great writer), followed by a significant but personal role (being a mother), and then concludes with a less weighty quality (being a good humorist).

The shift from the impactful role of a mother to the lighter role of a good humorist creates an anticlimactic effect, as the last item is less intense or profound compared to the preceding ones.

Here is another example:

• He lost his family, his car, and his cell phone.

In this example, the list begins with a highly emotional and significant loss (his family), followed by a material possession (his car), and concludes with a comparatively trivial item (his cell phone).

The progression from the emotional gravity of losing a family to the relatively minor loss of a cell phone creates an anticlimactic effect, emphasizing the unexpected and somewhat humorous letdown in the sequence of losses.

Why Do Writers Use Anticlimax?

Writers use anticlimax for various reasons, and here are three main purposes:

1. Humor: Anticlimax is often used to create humor by subverting the audience’s expectations. The abrupt shift from a buildup of tension or importance to something trivial or unexpected can evoke laughter. The element of surprise plays a key role in generating comedic effects, making anticlimax a valuable tool in writing humoristic pieces.
2. Satire or Critique: Anticlimax can be used as a satirical or critical device. By deliberately deflating the significance of an event or idea, writers can underscore the absurdity, irony, or shortcomings of a situation. This technique allows them to comment on societal norms, human behavior, or other subjects with a touch of wit, encouraging readers to reflect on the incongruities presented.
3. Emotional Impact: In certain contexts, anticlimax is used to heighten emotional impact. By building anticipation or tension and then suddenly undercutting it with a less significant or trivial resolution, writers can evoke a specific emotional response from the audience. This technique can be effective in conveying a sense of disappointment, surprise, or even absurdity, thereby engaging readers on an emotional level.

Climax Vs Anticlimax

Climax and anticlimax stand as contrasting figures of speech, with climax building gradual intensity towards a peak, while anticlimax uses a sudden and unexpected drop in significance, often for humor or satirical effect.

Climax: Elevating Intensity Gradually

• Climax refers to the arrangement of ideas or words in a series where each item becomes more intense or important, building towards a peak.
  • Example: “She earned accolades for her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
• Climax is used to create a sense of progression and increasing significance, often culminating in a powerful or impactful conclusion.

Anticlimax: Subverting Expectations Abruptly

• Anticlimax on the other hand involves the arrangement of ideas or words where the intensity or importance unexpectedly diminishes, defying the typical pattern.
  • Example: “He lost his job, his car, and his favorite pen.”
• Anticlimax is used for various purposes, including humor, surprise, or to convey a sense of disappointment by abruptly lowering the significance of the final item in the series.

Aspect	Climax	Anticlimax
Definition	The arrangement of ideas or words in a series where intensity or importance gradually increases, reaching a peak.	The arrangement of ideas or words where intensity or importance unexpectedly diminishes, creating an abrupt descent.
Example	“She earned accolades for her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”	“He lost his job, his car, and his favorite pen.”
Function	Builds tension and significance, leading to a powerful or impactful conclusion.	Creates surprise, humor, or disappointment by defying expectations and lowering the significance unexpectedly.
Effect	Evokes a sense of progression and increasing importance.	Generates unexpected twists and humor, or highlights the triviality of the final item in the series.
Purpose	Engages the audience by intensifying the narrative.	Subverts expectations for various effects, including humor, irony, or critique.
Overall Role	Enhances the narrative’s emotional impact and resolution.	Adds nuance, surprise, or humor to the storytelling experience.

Examples of anticlimax From Literature

Let’s explore some examples of anticlimax in literature:

1. Alexander Pope:

Here is a popular example of an anticlimax used as a figure of speech by Alexander Pope:

“Here thou, great Anna, whom three realms obey,
Dost sometimes counsel take, and sometimes tea.”

From “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope

The above lines from Alexander Pope’s “The Rape of the Lock” contain an example of anticlimax as a figure of speech. The shift from the serious and formal notion of seeking counsel to the seemingly trivial and mundane act of taking tea creates an unexpected drop in intensity or significance. This use of anticlimax adds a touch of wit and satire to the lines.

2. Mark Twain:

A second example of this figure of speech is by Mark Twain:

“The holy passion of Friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money.”

Mark Twain

The statement above builds up the virtues of friendship, describing it as “sweet and steady and loyal and enduring.” However, the unexpected twist comes in the latter part of the sentence with the humorous qualification, “if not asked to lend money.”

This shift in tone creates an anticlimactic effect by introducing a more trivial and practical consideration, injecting humor into the sentiment expressed about the nature of friendship.

3. Lord Byron:

The subsequent lines by Lord Byron provide another noteworthy instance of anticlimax:

“Though every wave roll’d menacing to fill,
And present peril all before surpass’d,
They grieved for those who perished with the cutter
And also for the biscuit-casks and butter.”

From “Don Juan – Canto II” by Lord Byron

The build-up in the first three lines creates a sense of impending danger and peril with waves rolling and a present threat that seems to surpass everything. However, the resolution in the last two lines unexpectedly shifts to a more trivial concern, expressing grief not only for those who perished but also for the loss of “biscuit-casks and butter.”

This sudden descent from a serious and life-threatening situation to the mention of food items adds a touch of humor and surprise, creating an anticlimactic effect.

4. George Bernard Shaw:

“In moments of crisis, I size up the situation in a flash, set my teeth, contract my muscles, take a firm grip on myself and without a tremor, always do the wrong thing.”

From “George Bernard Shaw: His Life and Personality”, 1942, Cited by Hesketh Pearson

The phrase “always do the wrong thing” at the end of the quote contributes to an element of anticlimax. The buildup in the earlier part of the sentence suggests a deliberate and determined response to crisis situations, with the speaker describing how he prepares himself.

However, the punchline, “always do the wrong thing,” subverts the expectation created by the initial setup and introduces a sudden and humorous drop in significance, which is characteristic of anticlimax.

5. Woody Allen:

Let’s finish with a notable example by Woody Allen:

“He has seen the ravages of war, he has known natural catastrophes, he has been to singles bars.”

From “Speech to the Graduates” Woody Allen

The anticlimax in this statement lies in the unexpected and humorous shift in intensity as the speaker lists experiences.

The first two items, “He has seen the ravages of war, he has known natural catastrophes,” suggest significant and serious life experiences, typically associated with hardship and gravity.

However, the third item, “he has been to singles bars,” introduces a more lighthearted and mundane experience, creating a humorous contrast with the preceding serious events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anticlimax is a figure of speech that involves a sudden and disappointing descent in the level of importance or intensity within a series of ideas or expressions. It is used by writers to create a deliberate contrast, often for humorous or satirical effects.

If employed effectively, the use of anticlimax can add both wit and unexpected twists to the narrative, engaging readers through surprising shifts in tone and meaning.

Related Pages:

• More figures of speech