Let’s break this down step by step.
First, look at Margaret Thatcher’s quote:
> “Of course our vision and our aims go far beyond the complex arguments of economics, but unless we get the economy right we shall deny our people the opportunity to share that vision and to see beyond the narrow horizons of economic necessity. Without a healthy economy we can’t have a healthy society and without a healthy society the economy won’t stay healthy for long.”
Notice how she repeats ideas in reverse order near the end:
- “Without a healthy economy → we can’t have a healthy society”
- “Without a healthy society → the economy won’t stay healthy”
This is called
chiasmus — when you repeat words or ideas in reverse order to make a point stronger. It’s like saying “A leads to B, and B leads back to A.”
Another possible device here is
antithesis (contrasting ideas), but the clearest one is chiasmus because of the mirrored structure.
Now, let’s define it simply:
Chiasmus = When you say something, then flip the order of the same ideas to show they’re connected.
Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” (JFK)
Finally, rewrite her statement using a different rhetorical device — let’s try
repetition (anaphora) to emphasize importance.
Original idea: Economy and society need each other.
Rewritten with repetition:
> We must fix the economy so our people can thrive.
> We must build a strong society so our economy can last.
> We must care for both — because one cannot survive without the other.
That uses repetition (“We must…”) to drive the point home.
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Final Answer:
What rhetorical device is Margaret Thatcher using?
→ Chiasmus
Write a definition for this rhetorical device.
→ Chiasmus is when you repeat words or ideas in reverse order to show how two things are connected or depend on each other.
Try rewriting Ms. Thatcher’s statement using a different rhetorical device to make the same point.
→ We must fix the economy so our people can thrive.
We must build a strong society so our economy can last.
We must care for both — because one cannot survive without the other.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of literary devices worksheet pdf.
