Chiasmus
Chiasmus (ki-az'-mus) is the repetition of two corresponding phrases arranged in a parallel inverse order. The second half is balanced against the first but with the parts reversed. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” Macbeth 1.1.1. Related to antimetabole, in which the two pairs suggest opposing or opposite meanings. Also similar to epanados, which also repeats the terms after presenting them.
Quotes including the Figure of Speech Chiasmus
When shall we three meet again?
Read the QuoteFirst Witch
When shall we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch
When the hurly-burly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.Anaphora & Anapodoton
Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Third Witch
That will be ere the set of sun.
… continue reading this quote
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar
Read the QuoteMetellus, kneeling
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,Anaphora
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
An humble heart.Synecdoche
Caesar
I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary menSynecdoche
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children.
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