This question is based on General Literary Principles and Appreciation.
'If it is true that the world talks too much
then let's all keep quiet
and hear the eloquence
of silence'
If it is True' by Richard Ntini
One striking device used by the poet above is
In Richard Ntini's poem "If it is True", the poet contrasts "talking too much" with the idea of "keeping quiet" to highlight the power and meaning of silence. This use of opposing ideas is a clear example of contrast, a literary device that shows the difference between two concepts to emphasise one or both.
"If it is true that the world talks too much
then let's all keep quiet*
and hear the eloquence*
of silence"*
The world’s noise (talking too much) is set against the quiet (keeping silent).
The unexpected twist is calling silence "eloquent", which intensifies the contrast—silence vs. speech.
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