Question

"Sethe", he says, "me and you, we got more yesterday than anybody. We need some more kind of tomorrow."
Which figure of speech is used here? Choose the most appropriate answer.

• A. Hyperbole
• B. Antithesis
• C. Irony
• D. Metaphor

Hint:

Look for contrasting pairs in a sentence (e.g., past/future, light/dark, good/evil). When these opposites are placed close together for effect, the figure of speech is likely antithesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
This question uses a quote from Toni Morrison's Beloved to identify the primary figure of speech.

Step 2: In-Depth Analysis:
The quote's impact comes from the contrasting ideas:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{"yesterday": Represents the past, memories, and suffering, which the characters possess in excess.} \\ \bullet & \text{"tomorrow": Represents the future, hope, and a new life, which they urgently require.} \\ \end{array}\]The balanced structure emphasizing this opposition defines antithesis. The quote directly contrasts "more yesterday" with the need for "more... tomorrow."
Although hyperbole is present ("more yesterday than anybody"), the key rhetorical device is the contrast between past and future.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Antithesis is the most fitting figure of speech; therefore, option (B) is correct.