Here's why:
* Chiasmus: This is a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other, with the second clause reversing the grammatical structure of the first.
* In Armstrong's sentence, the first clause is "One small step for man," and the second is "one giant leap for mankind."
* Notice how the order of "small" and "giant" is reversed, and the focus shifts from "man" to "mankind."
The effect of this chiasmus is to create a powerful contrast, highlighting the significance of the moon landing. It emphasizes that while the physical act of taking a step on the moon might seem small, its implications for humanity are monumental.
Other literary devices that could be argued to be present include:
* Antithesis: The contrasting ideas of "small" and "giant" create a stark opposition.
* Parallelism: The similar grammatical structure of the two clauses enhances the impact of the contrast.
While the sentence is simple in its construction, its use of these literary devices contributes to its enduring power and meaning.