Parallelism in English Literature: More Than Just Similar Structures
While often simply defined as the use of similar grammatical structures to express related ideas, parallelism in English literature is a multifaceted tool with a broader impact than just structural balance.
Here's a breakdown of its multifaceted meaning:
1. Structural Balance:
* Phrases: "She walks down the street, talks to her friends, and smiles at strangers."
* Clauses: "The wind howls outside, the rain beats against the window, and the thunder roars in the distance."
* Sentences: "He loved her, he needed her, and he wanted her."
2. Emphasis and Rhythm:
* Parallelism creates a sense of rhythm and flow, making the writing more memorable and impactful.
* It emphasizes commonalities between ideas, highlighting their significance.
3. Emotional Impact:
* Depending on the context, parallelism can create a sense of urgency, excitement, sorrow, or peace.
* It can also evoke strong emotions through the repetition of key words or phrases.
4. Literary Devices:
* Anaphora: Repetition of the same words or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences: "We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets." (Winston Churchill)
* Antithesis: Parallelism used to contrast opposing ideas: "Give me liberty, or give me death!" (Patrick Henry)
* Chiasmus: Reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." (John F. Kennedy)
5. Impact on Meaning:
* Parallelism helps create a sense of unity and coherence in a piece of writing.
* It clarifies the relationship between different ideas and emphasizes their significance.
* It enhances the overall impact and persuasiveness of the writing.
Examples in Literature:
* Shakespeare's Sonnets: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
* The Bible: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
* Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood."
In conclusion, parallelism is not merely a stylistic device. It is a powerful tool that can elevate language and enhance meaning. By understanding its various forms and functions, you can better appreciate the richness and depth of English literature.