What is parallelism in literature?

Parallelism in literature refers to the use of corresponding grammatical forms to create structure and rhythm within a text. This technique often involves the repetition of similar phrases, clauses, or sentences to enhance the overall flow and coherence of the writing. By aligning ideas through a consistent grammatical structure, parallelism can emphasize a point, contrast ideas, or build momentum in the narrative.

For instance, in a sentence like "I came, I saw, I conquered," the repetitive structure not only creates a memorable rhythm but also connects the actions of coming, seeing, and conquering in a powerful way. This alignment draws attention to the ideas presented and heightens their impact.

The other choices represent distinct literary concepts. The attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities is known as personification. Humorous imitation refers to parody, while an appeal to emotion is categorized as pathos. Each of these terms has its own unique function in literature, but they do not relate to the structured grammatical approach that defines parallelism.