3.2 Use of Parallelism

Parallelism is another syntactic over-regularity. It means exact repetition in equivalent positions. It differs from simple repetition in that the identity does not extend to absolute duplication, it “requires some variable feature of the pattern-some contrasting elements which are ‘parallel’ with respect to their position in the pattern”(Leech, 1969:66). To put it simply, parallelism means the balancing of sentence elements that are grammatically equal. To take them parallel, balance nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, clauses with clauses, and so forth.

In his speech, Martin Luther King uses parallelism to create a strong rhythm to help the audience line up his ideas. Here are few examples:

⑤…by the manacles of seGREgation and the chains of discrimination…(Par.2, two parallel noun phrases)

⑥“This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drag of gradualism.” (Par.4, two parallel infinitive phrases: “to engage…to take…”)

⑦“there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America…”(Par. 5, two parallel nouns joined with “neither…nor”)

⑧“We shall never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity…”(Par. 7, two parallel verb phrases)

It is traditionally believed that parallelism is used for the purpose of emphasizing and enhancing, esp. in speech, the ideas expressed by the speaker (or author in written versions), thus always encouraging and inspiring the audience. We need not to be very carefully to find out many more examples of parallelism used in King’s speech and classified as is followed:

3.2.1 parallel nouns:

⑨This not was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Par. 3, three parallel nouns as attributive)

⑩1963 is not an end, but a beginning (Par. 5, two parallel nouns joined with “not…but…”)

⑾Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. (Par. 6)

⑿…have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. (Par. 6, two pairs of parallel nouns).

⒀I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment…(Par. 8)

⒁…a desert state sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. (Par. 11, two pairs of parallel nouns).

3.2.2 Parallel noun phrases:

⒂So we have to came to cash this check-a check that will give as upon demand the riches of freedom and The security of justice. (Par. 4)

⒃I 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 brother hood (Par. 10)

3.2.3 Parallel infinitive phrases:

⒄It would be fetal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. (Par.5, two parallel infinitive phrases)