Parallelism is a literary device that is used to create balance and rhythm in writing. It involves the repetition of grammatical structures, phrases, or sentences to create a sense of harmony and symmetry in a text. Parallelism can be found in various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and speeches.
Parallelism has been used in literature for centuries and is a powerful tool for writers to create a sense of structure and coherence in their writing. Whether you are writing a poem, a novel, or a speech, understanding the different forms of parallelism can help you to create a more engaging and effective piece of writing. In this article, we will explore the different types of parallelism and provide examples of how they can be used in literature.
Definition of Parallelism
Parallelism is a literary device that involves the repetition of grammatical structures within a sentence or a series of sentences. It is used to create a sense of balance, rhythm, and emphasis in writing, as well as to highlight similarities or contrasts between ideas.
Parallelism can take many forms, such as the repetition of words, phrases, clauses, or even entire sentences. The repeated elements must have the same grammatical structure, such as the same tense, voice, or part of speech. This creates a pattern that makes the writing more memorable and easier to understand.
Parallelism can be used in various types of writing, including poetry, prose, speeches, and advertisements. It is particularly effective in persuasive writing, where the repetition of key ideas can help to reinforce the writer’s argument.
Examples of parallelism can be found in many famous literary works. For instance, in Martin Luther King Jr.‘s “I Have a Dream” speech, he uses the phrase “I have a dream” repeatedly to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. Another example is in Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,” where he writes, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”
In summary, parallelism is a powerful literary device that can help to create balance, rhythm, and emphasis in writing. By repeating grammatical structures, writers can make their work more memorable and impactful, and highlight important ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Purpose of Parallelism
One of the primary purposes of parallelism is to create a sense of balance and symmetry in writing. By repeating similar structures or phrases, writers can create a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. This can be especially effective in longer pieces of writing, where the use of parallelism can help to break up the text and make it more readable.
Another purpose of parallelism is to emphasize important ideas or themes in a piece of writing. By repeating key words or phrases, writers can draw attention to the most important ideas in their work, making them stand out and ensuring that they are not overlooked by the reader. This can be especially useful in persuasive writing, where the use of parallelism can help to reinforce the writer’s argument and make it more convincing.
Finally, parallelism can be used to create a sense of unity and coherence in a piece of writing. By repeating similar structures or phrases throughout a text, writers can create a sense of continuity and connection between different parts of the work, helping to tie everything together and create a cohesive whole. This can be especially important in longer works, where the use of parallelism can help to ensure that the reader does not become lost or confused as they move through the text.
Types of Parallelism
Antithetical Parallelism
Antithetical parallelism is a type of parallelism that involves the use of contrasting ideas or phrases. In this type of parallelism, the second phrase or idea is the opposite of the first. This creates a sense of tension and contrast in the text. Antithetical parallelism is often used in poetry to create a sense of balance and symmetry.
Example: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1
Synonymous Parallelism
Synonymous parallelism is a type of parallelism that involves the use of similar or identical ideas or phrases. In this type of parallelism, the second phrase or idea is a restatement or repetition of the first. This creates a sense of repetition and emphasis in the text. Synonymous parallelism is often used in poetry to create a sense of rhythm and balance.
Example: “I have spread my dreams under your feet; / Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” – W.B. Yeats
Synthetic Parallelism
Synthetic parallelism is a type of parallelism that involves the use of two or more phrases or ideas that build upon each other to create a larger idea. In this type of parallelism, the second phrase or idea expands upon the first. This creates a sense of progression and development in the text. Synthetic parallelism is often used in poetry to create a sense of complexity and depth.
Example: “The road was long, the trees were tall, / The sky was dark, the night was cold.” – Anonymous
Climactic Parallelism
Climactic parallelism is a type of parallelism that involves the use of a series of phrases or ideas that build upon each other to create a climax or crescendo. In this type of parallelism, each phrase or idea is more intense or powerful than the previous one. This creates a sense of tension and excitement in the text. Climactic parallelism is often used in poetry to create a sense of drama and intensity.
Example: “I came, I saw, I conquered.” – Julius Caesar
Chiasmus Parallelism
Chiasmus parallelism is a type of parallelism that involves the use of a reversal of the order of words or phrases in the second phrase or idea. In this type of parallelism, the second phrase or idea is a mirror image of the first, but with the order of words or phrases reversed. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance in the text. Chiasmus parallelism is often used in poetry to create a sense of complexity and depth.
Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy
Examples in Literature
Parallelism in Poetry
Poetry is a form of literature that relies heavily on sound and rhythm. Parallelism can be used in poetry to create a sense of harmony and repetition. For example, in William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, he uses parallelism to emphasize the beauty of his subject:
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
The repetition of the phrase “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” and the parallel structure of the subsequent lines create a musical effect that adds to the poem’s beauty.
Parallelism in Prose
Parallelism is not limited to poetry and can also be used in prose to create a sense of balance and symmetry. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, he uses parallelism to emphasize the contrast between the wealthy and the poor:
"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."
The repetition of the phrase “they” and the parallel structure of the subsequent clauses create a sense of symmetry that highlights the characters’ carelessness and lack of responsibility.
Parallelism in Drama
Parallelism can also be used in drama to create a sense of tension and conflict. In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, he uses parallelism to emphasize the contrast between good and evil:
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air."
The repetition of the phrase “fair is foul, and foul is fair” and the parallel structure of the subsequent line create a sense of tension and confusion that reflects the play’s themes of deception and betrayal.
Impact on Rhetoric and Composition
Parallelism is a technique that balances and emphasizes ideas, making them more memorable and effective in communication. Parallelism is a powerful tool that can be used to create patterns and structures that are pleasing to the ear and easy to understand.
In rhetoric, parallelism is used to create a sense of balance and symmetry. It can be used to contrast ideas, emphasize important points, and create a sense of unity. Parallelism is particularly effective in persuasive writing, where it can be used to reinforce an argument and make it more convincing. By using parallelism, writers can make their arguments more memorable and persuasive.
In composition, parallelism is used to create a sense of rhythm and flow. It can be used to create lists, emphasize important points, and create a sense of unity. Parallelism is particularly effective in academic writing, where it can be used to organize complex ideas and make them more accessible to readers. By using parallelism, writers can make their writing more engaging and easier to understand.
Parallelism can take many forms, including repetition of words, phrases, and structures. It can also involve the use of similar grammatical structures, such as using the same verb tense or sentence structure. By using parallelism, writers can create a sense of harmony and balance in their writing, making it more effective and memorable.
Parallelism in Modern Literature
In modern literature, parallelism is often used to create a sense of balance and harmony within a sentence or paragraph. By repeating similar grammatical structures, writers can emphasize key concepts and create a rhythmic flow to their writing.
One example of parallelism in modern literature is found in the opening lines of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”: “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.'”
The repetition of the phrase “my younger and more vulnerable years” and the use of the parallel structure “he told me” creates a sense of symmetry within the sentence, drawing attention to the father’s advice and its impact on the narrator’s life.
Another example of parallelism in modern literature is found in the poetry of Langston Hughes. In his poem “Harlem,” he asks the question, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
The repetition of the phrase “What happens to a dream deferred?” and the use of the simile “like a raisin in the sun” creates a powerful image in the reader’s mind, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s dreams before they wither away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common literary devices that use parallelism?
Parallelism is a common literary device used in various forms of writing, including poetry, prose, and speeches. Some of the most common literary devices that use parallelism include anaphora, epistrophe, and chiasmus.
What are the different types of parallelism used in literature?
There are three main types of parallelism used in literature: grammatical parallelism, rhetorical parallelism, and lexical parallelism. Grammatical parallelism involves repeating the same grammatical structure in a sentence or series of sentences. Rhetorical parallelism involves repeating the same rhetorical structure in a sentence or series of sentences. Lexical parallelism involves repeating the same words or phrases in a sentence or series of sentences.
What are some examples of parallelism in literature?
Parallelism can be found in many literary works, including speeches, poetry, and prose. An example of parallelism in poetry is the repetition of the phrase “I have a dream” in Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech. In prose, an example of parallelism is the repetition of the phrase “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” in Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.”
How does parallelism enhance the impact of a literary work?
Parallelism can enhance the impact of a literary work by creating a sense of rhythm and balance. It can also emphasize key ideas or themes by repeating them in a structured and memorable way. Parallelism can also create a sense of unity and coherence within a literary work.
What is the difference between parallelism in poetry and prose?
Parallelism in poetry often involves the repetition of specific words or phrases, while parallelism in prose often involves the repetition of grammatical structures. Additionally, parallelism in poetry is often used to create a specific rhythm or meter, while parallelism in prose is often used to emphasize key ideas or themes.
How can writers effectively use parallelism in their writing to create a powerful effect?
Writers can use parallelism effectively by identifying key ideas or themes and repeating them in a structured and memorable way. They can also experiment with different types of parallelism, such as grammatical or rhetorical parallelism, to create a specific effect. Additionally, writers can use parallelism to create a sense of unity and coherence within their writing.
Last Updated on August 16, 2023
