Final answer:
The synonym for 'antithesis' is 'opposition,' which refers to someone or something in direct contrast to another. In literature, this is often represented by the protagonist and antagonist, who embody opposing forces or ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The synonym for the vocabulary word antithesis is opposition. The word antithesis refers to a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. For example, if one argues that the protagonist Hamlet is insane and sees hallucinations, the antithesis or opposing argument would be that Hamlet is sane and the ghost he sees is real. The term is often used in literature to describe a conflict of ideas or forces, which might be depicted through characters such as the protagonist and antagonist.
In the context of literary analysis, the antagonist is often the character that represents the antithesis to the protagonist’s goals or beliefs. It’s important to note that an antagonist is not always evil or a villain; they simply oppose the main character, which can be due to a variety of reasons, including conflicting interests or ideologies.