Two sides of the same coin with Parallelism

Roopa Banerjee

“To err is human, to forgive, divine.” Alexander Pope’s timeless words in ‘An Essay on Criticism’ echo the balanced beauty of repeating similar elements to create striking rhetorical effect – a fine example of parallelism.

Parallelism is the repetition of words to create rhythm and pattern in writing. It juxtaposes contrasting ideas to highlight their differences and/or connects similar concepts to emphasise their relationship. In short, parallelism blends repetition and contrast seamlessly.

In Alexander Pope’s quote, repetition of the grammatical structure lends the line its poetic rhythm and clarity. Parallelism creates harmony and emphasis by mirroring the phrase in structure and form.

Parallelism is derived from the Greek word parallēlos, meaning ‘side by side’. It refers to the repetition of similar grammatical elements within a sentence or passage. This literary device heightens aesthetic appeal while adding meaning.

In literature, parallelism has long been used to craft memorable and impactful passages. For instance, Charles Dickens’s iconic opening to A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” The repetition of “it was” creates a rhythm that captures the duality of the human condition.

Another example is in the late Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech: “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight.” The repeated clause “I have a dream” builds momentum, driving home his vision of equality and justice with profound emotional resonance.

Parallelism isn’t confined to classical literature — it thrives in modern pop culture. In Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, the song ‘My Shot’ uses this literary device to amplify Alexander Hamilton’s relentless ambition: “I’m not throwing away my shot! I’m not throwing away my shot! Hey yo, I’m just like my country, I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I’m not throwing away my shot.” The repetition builds a rhythm that mirrors Hamilton’s tenacity.

In everyday life, parallelism finds its way into speeches, slogans, and casual conversations. A coach might inspire a team with, “We play as a team, we fight as a team, we win as a team.” This repetition of structure stresses unity and determination.

Advertisers use parallelism to craft memorable slogans such as “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” by Kellogg’s or KitKat’s succinct “Have a break. Have a Kitkat”. These phrases rely on repetition and balance to remain catchy and impactful.

Parallelism is also used in daily conversations. A parent might encourage her child: “You can dream big, you can work hard, and you can achieve anything.” The mirrored structure reinforces the message and lends it a rhythmic, uplifting quality.

But why does parallelism resonate so deeply? The human brain is naturally impacted by patterns and repetition. Parallelism provides a sense of order, making complex ideas easier to process and remember. This psychological appeal explains why it has been a cornerstone of rhetoric and writing for centuries.

When used skillfully, parallelism elevates writing from the mundane to the extraordinary. Whether used in a novel, speech, song, or casual remark, it has the power to make words resonate and ideas linger.

Exercise

Here are five slogans that use parallelism. Identify the product that they advertise.