Juxtaposition is a literary technique in which two or more ideas, places, characters, or actions are placed side by side in a narrative or a poem for the purpose of creating comparisons and contrasts.

A writer might place a character from a poor background alongside one from a wealthy background to highlight differences in social class and experiences.

In the original 1968 Planet of the Apes movie, the protagonist comes across the ruins of the statue of liberty.

That’s a juxtaposition of the past against the present.

In Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the juxtaposition of the current state of racial injustice with his vision for a better, more equal future creates a powerful contrast that emphasizes his message.

How will you use juxtaposition to enhance the emotional impact of your narratives or clarify the points in your next presentation?