By Trixie Anne Felisco

 Definition: a device by which the order of the terms in the first of two parallel clauses is reversed in the second.  Elements may be presented in ABBA order. ex. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”- JFK The words ‘country’ and ‘you’ cross.  Chiasmus are not always as simple as ABBA. It could also present itself in ABCCBA order. ex. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.” Genesis 9:6 In this example, the shed-blood-man, man-blood-shed.  Note: Chiasmus do not always involve just the reversal of words. They can also be the reversal of letters, phrases, or sounds/homonyms.  Another note. Chiasmus may be only implied  Ex. “Time’s fun when you’re having flies,” Kermit the Frog. This is a parallel phrase for “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Function: It creates rhythm and makes lines memorable and evocative.

 Definition: The repetition of words or phrases, in successive clauses, in reverse grammatical order. Sounds familiar? Good! That’s because antimetaboles are a specific form of chiasmus.  The direct object of the subject is reversed. It becomes the subject of the subsequent clause. Therefore, the meaning of the first clause shifts or changes in the second clause. Ex. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.“  The direct object “for you” becomes the subject “you”. Then the subject “your country” becomes the direct object “for your country”  Function: Presents alternatives, shows contrast, or to make lines memorable.

 Definition: Deliberately exaggerates conditions for emphasis or effect.  Hyperboles use specific words or phrases that overemphasize a basic statement in order to produce a more notable effect. ◦ Ex. “Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night” (Romeo & Juliet ). Romeo is comparing Juliet to bigger, extravagant things.  Function: Overly stresses a specific point.

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