Parallelism is a figure of speech that involves using similar grammatical structures in a sentence or series of sentences. This document explores the definition of parallelism, its significance in grammar and rhetoric, and provides numerous examples from literature and speeches. It is a valuable resource for students and writers looking to enhance their understanding of this literary device. Key concepts include antithesis, anaphora, and epistrophe, along with practical applications in various contexts. Ideal for anyone studying English literature or improving their writing skills.

Key Points

  • Defines parallelism and its role in enhancing sentence structure and flow.
  • Explains the difference between parallelism in grammar and rhetoric.
  • Provides examples of parallelism from famous speeches and literary works.
  • Discusses related figures of speech such as antithesis and anaphora.
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6 pages
Language:English
Type:Guide
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
6 pages
Language:English
Type:Guide
Literature
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Parallelism Definition
What is parallelism? Here’s a quick and simple definition:
Parallelism is afigure of speechin which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of
sentences) have the same grammatical structure. These "parallel" elements can be used to
intensify the rhythm of language, or to draw a comparison, emphasize, or elaborate on an
idea. The following well-knownadageis an example of parallelism: "Give a man a fish,
and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." The
grammatical structures of the first and second sentences parallel each other.
Some additional key details about parallelism:
Parallelism can be as simple as choosing grammatically similar elements when writing a list, as
in "First do X, second do Y, third do Z."
In some cases, parallelism involves the exact repetition of words, but all that is required to fit
the definition of parallelism is the repetition of grammatical elements.
Parallelism is a prominent feature of Hebrew and Middle Eastern poetry, and it appears
frequently in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
How to Pronounce Parallelism
Here's how to pronounce parallelism:par-uh-lel-iz-em
Parallelism in Grammar vs. in Rhetoric and Literature
The term "parallelism" is used to describe both afigure of speechand a principle in grammar,
although its use in each context is slightly different.
Parallelism in Grammar
In grammar, parallelism is the principle that using similar grammatical elements in certain contexts—
when making a list, for example—leads to sentences that flow in a more natural way. In the following
sets of sentences, the first version is parallel while the second is not. Note how the
exampleswithoutparallelism are awkward and a little confusing.
In this first set of sentences, the first sentence contains a list of three parallelnouns, while the second
combines twonounswith averb.
Parallelism:Their son loved playingchess,video games, andsoccer.
No parallelism:Their son lovedchess,video games, andto play soccer.
In the second set of sentences, the first contains paralleladjectives, while the second combines
twoadjectiveswith averb.
Parallelism (adjectives):The Bach Sonata wasbeautiful,moving, andinspiring.
No parallelism:The Bach Sonata wasbeautiful,moving, and itinspired.
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Parallelism in Rhetoric and Literature
In contrast to the strictly grammatical view of parallelism, in rhetoric and literature parallelism can do
much more thanjustcreate a pleasing and grammatical sentence structure. Writers use parallel
grammatical elements within one sentence or, more broadly, between and among different sentences in
a paragraph, foreffect: to emphasize ideas orthemes, suggest connections, or highlight contrasts, all
while adding rhythm to the structure of their expression.
Parallelism and Related Figures of Speech
While parallelism is itself a figure of speech, it can also be seen as a kind of "umbrella" category of a
number of different figures of speech. Put another way: there are a number of figures of speech that
make use of parallelism in specific ways. It's useful to know what these other terms mean, since
technically speaking they are specific types of parallelism.
Parallelism and Antithesis
One literary device that often makes use of parallelism isantithesis. In antitheses, two elements of a
sentence are placed in contrast to one another. This opposition is clearest when a writer puts the ideas
in parallel positions. Neil Armstrong usedantithesiswith parallelism when he first stepped onto the
surface of the moon in 1969, using the parallel structure of the two halves of his sentence to highlight
the contrast between his "small step" and the "giant leap" that this step represented in the history of
humanity.
That's onesmall stepfor a man, onegiant leapfor mankind.
Parallelism and Anaphora
Another specific type of parallelism isanaphora. This figure of speech involves the repetition of at
least one word at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases. In one of Winston Churchill's most
famous speeches during World War II, he makes stirring use ofanaphora:
....We shall fightin France,we shall fighton the seas and oceans,we shall fightwith
growing confidence and growing strength in the air,we shalldefend our island, whatever
the cost may be.We shall fighton the beaches,we shall fighton the landing grounds,we
shall fightin the fields and in the streets,we shall fightin the hills;we shallnever
surrender...
Note that there are also other uses of parallelism in this excerpt of Churchill's speech that do not fall
into the category of anaphora. The different locations that Churchill names ("on the beaches...on the
landing grounds...in the fields and in the streets...in the hills") create parallelism through their
grammatical similarity.
Parallelism and Asyndeton
Inasyndeton, a conjunction (such as "and") is omitted between parts of a sentence to create a certain
rhythm. Often, this is made possible by parallelism, which helps the reader to interpret the sentence's
meaning even when it is not (technically) grammatically correct. In Julius Caesar's famous boast to the
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Senate after his victory at the Battle of Zela, he makes use of asyndeton because he omits the word
"and" before the final clause.
Veni, vidi, vici:I came, I saw, I conquered.
Technically this omission of "and" makes the sentence an example of "comma splicing," which is a
grammatical no-no, but the parallelism allows the meaning to come through and creates a pleasing
rhythm.
Parallelism and Epistrophe
Epistropheis the opposite ofanaphora. Instead of repeated word(s) at the beginning of successive
phrases, epistrophe involves repeating words at the end of successive phrases. Abraham Lincoln
employedepistrophewhen he declared in his Gettysburg Address that the Union was fighting to
defend a government "ofthe people, bythe people, forthe people." Again, this is an example of
parallelismas well asepistrophe, since epistrophe is just a specific type of parallelism.
Parallelism Examples
Parallelism Examples in Literature
Parallelism occurs frequently in poetry and prose, from ancient Hebrew poetry to contemporary
fiction.
Parallelism in Psalms of the Old Testament
Parallelism is found throughout both the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible. In this pair
of verses from Psalm 24, there are two examples of what biblical scholars callsynonymous
parallelism, meaning that the idea of the first clause is repeated and rephrased with a parallel
grammatical structure in the second clause to emphasize or amplify the point.
The earth is the LORD's and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
forhe founded it upon the seas
andestablished it upon the waters.
Parallelism in Shakespeare'sJulius Caesar
In Shakespeare'sJulius Caesar, Mark Antony is given the opportunity to speak at the funeral of his
recently assassinated friend, Caesar. He uses this chance to incite a riot in the hopes of winning back
control of the Senate from the conspirators who assassinated Caesar in the first place.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I cometo bury Caesar,not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones...
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FAQs

What is parallelism in grammar and rhetoric?
Parallelism is a figure of speech where two or more elements in a sentence share the same grammatical structure. In grammar, it enhances the flow of sentences, making them easier to read and understand. In rhetoric, parallelism serves to emphasize ideas or themes, create connections, and highlight contrasts, adding rhythm to the expression.
How does parallelism function in literature?
In literature, parallelism can create a pleasing sentence structure and enhance the emotional impact of a text. Writers use parallel grammatical elements within sentences or across paragraphs for effect, allowing for emphasis on key ideas or themes. This technique is prevalent in various forms of writing, from poetry to prose, and is often used to draw comparisons or contrasts.
What are some examples of parallelism in famous speeches?
Examples of parallelism in famous speeches include Winston Churchill's use of anaphora in his World War II speech, where he repeats 'We shall fight' to emphasize determination. Similarly, John F. Kennedy's inaugural address features parallelism in the phrase 'pay any price, bear any burden,' highlighting the commitment to liberty. These instances show how parallelism can enhance the persuasiveness and rhythm of spoken language.
What is the difference between anaphora and epistrophe in parallelism?
Anaphora involves the repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases, while epistrophe repeats words at the end of successive phrases. Both are specific types of parallelism that create rhythm and emphasis in writing. For instance, Winston Churchill's speeches often exemplify anaphora, whereas Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address showcases epistrophe with the phrase 'of the people, by the people, for the people.'
What role does parallelism play in poetry?
Parallelism is a significant feature in poetry, often used to create rhythm and enhance the emotional resonance of the text. It can involve the repetition of grammatical structures, which helps to emphasize key themes or ideas. For example, biblical texts frequently employ synonymous parallelism to reinforce messages, while poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow use it to create vivid imagery and a musical quality in their verses.
How does parallelism relate to antithesis?
Antithesis is a literary device that often utilizes parallelism by placing contrasting ideas in parallel structures. This opposition enhances the clarity and impact of the contrasting ideas. For example, Neil Armstrong's famous quote about stepping onto the moon uses parallelism to juxtapose 'one small step for a man' with 'one giant leap for mankind,' effectively highlighting the significance of the moment.

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