Chiasmus
A repetition and arrangement of two key terms in a sentence, forming the pattern ABBA. This device usually appears in proverbs as they are unusual, emphatic, and easily remembered. eg. “We should work to live, not live to work.”
Chiasmus is a literary device that involves the reversal of grammatical structures or ideas in two or more clauses. It creates a symmetric pattern in the sentence or phrase, which makes it stand out and memorable to the reader or listener.
For example, consider the famous quote by John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” The reversal of the verb and the pronoun in the second clause creates a parallel structure that emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between a citizen and their country, making the quote more effective at inspiring patriotism.
Chiasmus can also be used in poetry, such as in the following lines from Alexander Pope’s “An Essay on Man”: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” The reversal of the noun and the adjective in the second phrase creates a balanced antithesis, which emphasizes the contrast between human fallibility and divine forgiveness.
Overall, chiasmus is a powerful tool for writers and speakers to convey their point effectively and create a memorable impact on their audience.
More Answers:
Master the Art of Repetition: Understanding its Importance and LimitationsThe Power of Parallelism: How to Use this Writing Technique for Clarity and Flow
Mastering the Art of Anaphora: Understanding How Repetition Creates Impact in Literature and Speech