Juxtaposition

ˌʤʌkstəpəˈzɪʃən

noun

the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect

Juxtaposition is a literary technique often used to highlight differences or create vivid imagery by placing two contrasting elements side by side. It can evoke strong emotions and deepen the impact of a description or narrative.

A juggler kept a half-dozen swords and axes whirling through the air as skewers of blood sausage were brought sizzling to the tables, a juxtaposition that Tyrion thought passing clever, though not perhaps in the best of taste.

George R. R. Martin

A Storm of Swords

There is master-morality and slave-morality—I would at once add, however, that in all higher and mixed civilizations, there are also attempts at the reconciliation of the two moralities, but one finds still oftener the confusion and mutual misunderstanding of them, indeed sometimes their close juxtaposition—even in the same man, within one soul.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Beyond Good and Evil

He found the count standing before some copies of Albano and Fattore that had been passed off to the banker as originals; but which, mere copies as they were, seemed to feel their degradation in being brought into juxtaposition with the gaudy colors that covered the ceiling.

Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo

Moreover, at the age of ninety-six, no bond is any longer possible, all is merely juxtaposition; a newcomer is in the way.

Victor Hugo

Les Misérables

His interjection of humor by incongruous juxtaposition…provides some welcome relief.

Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune

Was it possible to imagine so absurd and cynical a juxtaposition?

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment

“I understand you’re looking for a business gonnegtion.” The juxtaposition of these two remarks was startling.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby