"chiasmus" 的定义和意义

What is "chiasmus"?

Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where two or more phrases or clauses are balanced against each other by reversing their structure. This creates a mirrored effect, often to highlight a contrast or to emphasize a particular point. For example, in the sentence "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", the structure of the two clauses is reversed to create a striking effect and highlight the contrast between the two ideas. Chiasmus can make statements more memorable and impactful by creating a rhythm and symmetry in the expression.