This essay contends that the figure of speech chiasmus plays a central role in Hölderlin’s oeuvre, not only stylistically but also as a form of organizing thoughts. Evidence is given through some examples taken from the poet’s letters. Thus, the presence of recurring ele-ments in Hölderlin’s epistolary style, irrespective of obvious adjustments to circumstances and addressees, can be seen as the starting point for new insights into the poet’s thinking and writing.
