What is an Antimetabole?
Repetition of words in reverse order in successive clauses or phrases.
Flip and Reverse It: The Art of Antimetabole
If you've ever heard the phrase 'eat to live, not live to eat', or 'fair is foul, and foul is fair', then you've encountered antimetabole. It's a phrase or sentence structure that involves repeating words in reverse order in successive clauses or phrases. Sound complicated? It's really not. Simply put, antimetabole involves flipping and reversing the order of words to create an especially memorable phrase.
Antimetabole was a favorite of the great orators of history, including Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. Today, it's often used to create memorable soundbites, advertising slogans, and political catchphrases. But it's not just for politicians and advertisers! Antimetabole is a useful tool for any writer looking to craft an unforgettable phrase.
Not only does antimetabole create a memorable rhythm, but it can also be used to emphasize contrast and build suspense. By flipping the order of words, you can turn a simple phrase into a powerful statement. It's a great way to create a lasting impression on your readers or audience.
Next time you're looking to add a little pizzazz to your writing, consider using antimetabole. Flip it and reverse it!
Antimetabole isn't just for political speeches and soundbites - it's also a powerful tool for writers of all genres. Here are two literary examples of how antimetabole can be used to create a memorable phrase or sentence structure.
In his play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses antimetabole to emphasize the chaos and confusion of the characters' situation. By flipping the order of words in the phrase 'fair is foul, and foul is fair', he highlights the characters' inability to distinguish between right and wrong.
In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte uses antimetabole to emphasize the power dynamics between two characters. When Rochester asks Jane if she'll be his wife, she responds with the phrase 'all my heart is yours, sir'. By flipping the order of words in the phrase, Bronte highlights the fact that Jane is giving Rochester everything she has - heart and all.