Chiasmus
In modern popular culture, there is a character in the group of films called Yoda who is well-known for his specific pattern of talking. The speech pattern of this character uses a writing or speaking technique called chiasmus.
1. Chiasmus Examples in Quotes
2. Philippians as Chiasmus Template
3. Chiasmus as Constraint Template
4. The Chiasmus of Design
5. Replacement of Chiasmus Template
6. Chiasmus Examples
What Is a Chiasmus?
A chiasmus is a figure of speech that has two or more statements, words, or phrases that are repeated throughout statements, but the second statement or group of words is a reversal of the first statement or group of words. This technique uses the repetition of words to create a new meaning or to emphasize the theme or message of the text or statement.
How to Write a Chiasmus
A well-written chiasmus can improve the quality of the text or speech the person uses the technique on, which in turn will improve the satisfaction of their audience. But you should note that a poorly-written chiasmus will significantly lessen the quality of the text or speech.
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Step 1: Create an Outline for the Sentences
Begin by creating an outline using a chiasmus outline format or any chiasmus-aligned reference. This outline will provide you with the appropriate structure and direction to keep your chiasmus consistent throughout the writing process.
Step 2: Select a Specific Theme or Message You Will Convey
You will need to have a specific theme or tone that you want to convey with your chiasmus. Choose a message or topic you want to create the chiasmus with.
Step 3: Write the First Statement
Begin the chiasmus by writing the first statement that should be aligned with the chosen topic, theme, or message. You may also opt to have a single compound sentence with two independent clauses as your chiasmus.
Step 4: Write the Second Statement
If you are planning to have two statements as your chiasmus, the reversal of the first statement should be directly after the said first statement. In a compound sentence, the reversal clause should be directly after the independent clause in the chiasmus.
FAQs
Chiasmus vs. polysyndeton; what is the difference between chiasmus and polysyndeton?
Chiasmus is a figure of speech that has two statements, where the second statement is the reverse of the first statement in structure and form. A polysyndeton is a type of literary device that has a string of three or more words or statements that form a complete thought. All of which have subordination conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions connecting the words or statements. The polysyndeton’s words need to have the same theme, context, and tone to work.
Chiasmus vs. antimetabole; what is the difference between a chiasmus and an antimetabole?
Chiasmus is a literary and rhetorical device where the person repeats the first statement with a second statement which is the reversal of the first statement. Antimetabole is a literary and rhetorical device that lets the speaker or the writer repeats words and phrases in succession, but has no specific structure. This means that any sentence that uses chiasmus is also an antimetabole, but not all sentences using antimetabole is a chiasmus.
What are examples of chiasmus in literature?
Chiasmus is a technique in writing that has always been present in past books and poems. A portion of Amos 5:4-6a’s verse “do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing. ” is an example of chiasmus in the bible. Another famous example of chiasmus can be found in the quote “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”, which utilizes chiasmus as a literary device.
The chiasmus is a figure of speech that a person can use by having a succession of repeating statements where the second statement reverses the first statement’s form. Proper utilization of the chiasmus will elevate the text or speech the person uses the technique. If you want to make your text or speech have a large impact on your audience, then it is optimal to know how and understand the proper usage of chiasmus.
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