Which literary device is associated with a direct contrast between opposing ideas?

Antithesis is a literary device that effectively highlights contrasting ideas by placing them in close proximity, often within the same sentence or phrase. This juxtaposition emphasizes the differences between the two opposing concepts, creating a more vivid understanding for the reader. For instance, phrases like "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times" exemplify antithesis by clearly contrasting two extremes.

While metaphors involve comparing two unlike things to enhance understanding, and irony presents a discrepancy between expectation and reality, neither focuses specifically on the direct opposition of ideas in the way antithesis does. Hyperbole, on the other hand, employs exaggeration for emphasis or effect rather than contrasting ideas. Therefore, antithesis stands out as the literary device specifically designed to create a stark contrast between opposing notions.