Parallelism in Literature

Question 1

Rhetorical Parallelism

Answer 1

Rhetorical parallelism creates sentence components of equal weight to emphasize similarity and contrast.

Ex. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Question 2

Synthetic Parallelism

Answer 2

Synthetic parallelism is composed of two lines; line one presents a declaration and line two gives the explanation or adds something new or instructive to the first line. It is called synthetic because a synthesis or coordination between the two elements takes place.

Ex. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
how much more when he brings it with evil intent.”

Question 3

Antithetical Parallelism

Answer 3

Antithetical parallelism uses the same sentence structure as synthetic, but it highlights differences.

Ex. “He who obeys instructions guards his life,
but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.”

Question 4

Synonymous Parallelism

Answer 4

Synonymous parallelism is the repetition of similar ideas with different words.

Ex. “Save me, O Lord, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.”