How to Use Poetic Devices: Chiasmus

Hi writers! It’s time for another installment of my blog series, How to Use Poetic Devices. It’s also ~Poetry Month~!!!! If you’re feeling inspired, check out the rest of my series and try out some new devices in your poetry.

What is chiasmus?

Chiasmus is repeating a phrase in reverse order for the purpose of emphasis or showcasing multiple meanings.

An example:

One of my favorite examples of chiasmus can be found in Ode on a Grecian Urn by John Keats:

“When old age shall this generation waste,

Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe

Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st,

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all

Ye know on earth, and all ye need to

know."

Many people, such as past presidents, use chiasmus in their speeches. I’ve also heard it a lot from people who perform their poetry.

Chiasmus is particularly effective as:

An opening line

A closing line

and in spoken-word poetry

If you’ve never tried chiasmus before, one starting point could be going through your existing poems. Are there any lines where chiasmus would be effective? Using alliteration or other sound-related devices with chiasmus can bolster emphasis even more.

Be careful not to introduce clichés! They can make your message less effective.

If you try out chiasmus, send it to me or tag me on socials so I can see!

Happy poetry month and happy writing!