Anastrophe Examples

Anastrophe refers to the inversion of the typical word order in a sentence.

Writers and speakers may use anastrophe to bring attention to specific concepts, but also to set apart a character. A character's speech may be distinguished in a text by frequent use of anastrophe.

1. Excited the children were when Santa entered the room.

2. Patience I lack.

3. A roast is what we will have for dinner.

4. In the night sky shimmered the moon.

5. Into the water dove the boy.

Examples of Anastrophe in Literature

"Strong in the force, you are." Yoda, Star Wars

"And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made: Nine bean-ros will I have there." William Butler Yeats, "The Lake Isle of Innisfree"

" Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing." Edgar Allan Poe, "The Raven"

"It only stands our lives upon, to use our strongest hands." Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra

"Her mother is the lady of the house, And a good lady, and wise and virtuous. I nursed her daughter that you talked withal. I tell you, he that can lay hold of her, Shall have the chinks." Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet