What literary device involves placing two contrasting elements side by side for comparison?

The correct answer is juxtaposition, which is a literary device that involves placing two contrasting elements side by side for comparison. This technique is often used to highlight differences or create tension between the elements, allowing readers to better understand the thematic oppositions within a text. For instance, juxtaposition can enhance the emotional impact of a story by showcasing how different characters, settings, or ideas interact with one another.

In literature, juxtaposition can create a more complex and nuanced meaning by encouraging readers to reflect on the relationships between the contrasting elements. By examining these contrasts, readers can gain insights into the broader themes and messages the author conveys. This device is prevalent in various forms of writing, including poetry, prose, and drama, where it serves to deepen the reader's engagement with the narrative.

The other options represent different literary devices that serve distinct purposes: paradox refers to a statement that appears contradictory but reveals a truth, antithesis involves the direct contrast of opposing ideas in a balanced structure, and synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part represents the whole or vice versa. Each of these has its unique function, separate from the comparative nature of juxtaposition.