Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Chiasmus functions in literature by reversing grammatical elements for emphasis, creating a structure that mirrors itself in a way that enhances meaning or highlights a contrast. This rhetorical device often involves a pattern where the first part of a statement is balanced or contrasted by the second part, thereby enhancing the overall impact through its symmetry. For example, the phrase "Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you" demonstrates this reversal clearly, drawing attention to the relationship between the ideas presented.

The emphasis brought about by chiasmus can provoke thought and reflection or create a memorable moment that resonates with the reader. It serves to reinforce thematic elements through its structural ingenuity, making the text more engaging and thought-provoking.