What is the main purpose of using chiasmus in writing?

The main purpose of using chiasmus in writing is to emphasize contrasting ideas. Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures. This inversion often highlights the contrasts between the ideas being presented, making them more memorable and impactful to the reader. For example, a famous chiasmus is John F. Kennedy's phrase, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." Through this structure, the contrasting ideas of individual versus collective responsibility are underscored, enhancing the rhetorical effect.

In contrast, establishing a narrative timeline focuses on the chronological arrangement of events rather than emphasizing contrasting ideas. Creating rhythm in poetry involves musicality and flow, which is a different concern from the objectives of chiasmus. Providing clarity through analogous comparisons focuses on making complex ideas clearer by drawing parallels, which does not capture the primary function of chiasmus, which is rooted in contrast and inversion.