Use The Juxtaposition Of Antithetical Elements In Royal Beatings By Alice Munro

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In the short story “Royal Beatings," Alice Munro utilizes the juxtaposition of antithetical words to emphasize the ability of romanticism to alter an individual’s perception of reality. One of the most essential components of this piece is the complex interplay that develops between the embellished “Royal Beatings” (117) constructed in Rose’s imagination and the brutally unpleasant events that transpire in actuality. The antithetical nature of this combination juxtaposes the opulence and elegance associated with the word “royal” and the predominantly destructive connotation of the word “beating” to mask the cruelty and barbarity of the event and ultimately diminish the brutality of the situation. Although Rose is accustomed to the cruelty and