Here's how it works:
* Emphasis: By using similar grammatical structures and phrasing, writers highlight the key ideas they want to convey. This creates a sense of balance and repetition that draws the reader's attention to the core message.
* Rhythm: Parallelism also contributes to the flow and rhythm of the text. The repetition of similar structures creates a pleasing cadence that makes the writing more engaging and memorable.
Thoreau, known for his beautiful and impactful prose, frequently employed parallelism to achieve these effects. For example, in his famous work "Walden," he writes:
> "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
Notice how the parallel structure of "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach" emphasizes the three reasons why Thoreau sought a simple life. The repetition of the verb "to" and the consistent use of infinitive phrases creates a rhythmic flow that enhances the impact of his words.
In conclusion, parallelism is a powerful tool for writers like Thoreau to emphasize important ideas and create a pleasing rhythm in their writing. It allows them to communicate their message in a clear, impactful, and memorable way.