Chiasmus

Chiasmus (pronounced ki-AZ-muss) is a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures. Essentially, the second clause mirrors the first, but with the elements in reverse order (ABBA). This pattern often creates a memorable effect, highlighting key ideas and providing a sense of symmetry and balance. It's commonly used to emphasize contrasts, reinforce parallelism, and offer a satisfying linguistic closure. The device is found in both prose and poetry, adding a layer of sophistication and artistry to the writing.

Chiasmus meaning with examples

• Initially, she *loved the dog*; *later, the dog loved her*. This simple example illustrates the ABBA structure: Subject-Verb-Object, then Object-Verb-Subject. The chiasmus cleverly highlights the reciprocal nature of affection. It’s a concise way to portray a change in relationship, offering a stark contrast to initial events and implying an ultimate sense of emotional balance and closure within the story.
• The poet stated the *song was lovely* and *lovely the song*. This short phrase makes use of chiasmus, mirroring the first clause, giving a sense of symmetry. Through these lines, there is a strong sense of finality and the balance between the two clauses is striking. The chiasmus highlights the emphasis and finality of the music being produced.
• “*Flowers are as necessary as water* and *water as flowers*.” The chiasmus here underscores the mutual dependence of two life essentials, implying a parallel, necessary relationship between them, which is the very purpose of chiasmus. The reversed structure also presents a beautiful image in the form of a succinct idea in the listener's or reader's minds, cementing the concept effectively.
• As a student *the world was my oyster*; as a teacher *my oyster was the world*. Using this chiasmus shows a journey and progression. In this case, showing growth from a single person's view, to the educator's view. This illustrates the transformation and the changing relationship with the world and experience of life.
• When the rich *get a hand, the poor get the shaft*, when the poor *get a hand, the rich get the shaft*. chiasmus in this example conveys a sense of injustice. The reversed phrases highlight the inequitable treatment, revealing a stark comparison between groups and emphasizing the moral incongruity the speaker has with this reality.