Chiasmus

Definition

a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form

Example- from Jane Eyre

“At last coffee is brought in, and the gentlemen are summoned” and “Where is Mr Rochester? He comes in last” (165).

Function

In the example from Jane Eyre chiasmus is used very subtly. In it the word “last” is used in both quotes, but it comes in different parts of the clauses. This adds an artistic effect to Charlotte Bronte’s work by balancing the two clauses against each other.

Another example

“I meant what I said, and I said what I meant.” In this example from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hatches the Egg, the elephant, Horton, was explaining through a chiasmus that he meant what he said in a more artistic way.

Non-original mnemonic

Can be found here

Original mnemonic

C- chiasmus

H- helps

I- in 

A- applying

S- stylish (and)

M - multiple

U- uses (in)

S- stories