Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Quote:  “In labor relations the bottom line isn’t always the bottom line.”  James Surowiecki in the New Yorker.

Figure of Speech:  antistasis (an-TIS-ta-sis), the repeat that changes meaning. From the Greek, meaning “opposing position.” Also antistrophe (an-TIS-tro-phee), the last-word repeater.  From the Greek, meaning “turning around.” (Also called epistrophe.)

Yes, we just plugged the antistasis. But don’t you see, Figaro loves the antistasis! It’s such a witty little figure.

The wielder in this case, New Yorker staff writer James Surowiecki, uses it to describe the dilemma that striking television and movie writers face. Yeah, they already make plenty of dough ($200,000 a year, according to the industry). But the scribes say they aren’t striking out of greed. They’re striking for justice: they want their fair share from shows played on the Internet.

Rhetoric that cries for justice can work when you want to change society, but it can bollix a practical negotiation. Why? Because the justice argument uses demonstrative rhetoric, while a negotiation requires political, deliberative rhetoric. Which raises the question: What in blazes is Figaro talking about? For answers, see the excerpts from Figaro’s book on values and the three basic issues.

Snappy Answer: At bottom, that’s a great line.