If so, then the speakers must have been using chiasmus, a figure of speech that surpasses all the other rhetorical devices in its power to demolish our built-in defenses and arouse our emotions. Or did he become so good at coining chiasmus because his wealth had allowed him the leisure to craft it? By now you must have already discovered for yourself that chiasmus reverses the order of words in two parallel phrases. The parallel word reversals arouse our senses, disarming us so we readily accept their claim as truthful. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter and e-mail me at [email protected].

Source: Manila Times November 01, 2023 18:14 UTC