What is Parallelism?

Parallelism is the skilled use of repeated grammatical structures in writing. By using parallelism, a writer can create a pleasing rhythm and symmetry in their prose, drawing the reader's attention to key ideas while also making the text more enjoyable to read. Parallelism is often used to linguistically link together otherwise disparate ideas, and can be found throughout literature, from the epic poetry of the ancients to the modern short story.

There are many ways to employ parallelism in writing, such as repeating phrases, using coordinating conjunctions, and emphasizing similarities or differences. Often, parallelism is used in lists, allowing for complex ideas to be broken down and presented in an easily digestible form. By using parallelism, a writer can emphasize the importance of ideas and draw the reader into a specific point of view.

While utilizing parallelism can be a powerful literary tool, it's important to not overuse it, as this can lead to a stilted or predictable writing style. Like all literary techniques, it's about finding a balance within the narrative to create a compelling and engaging work. By using repetition and variations on a theme to enhance the flow and structure of a text, a writer can fully engage the reader and create a work that truly stands out.