Repetition of words or phrases

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 60 views

Uncovering the Art of Parallelism in Literature: A Closer Look at Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country"

When it comes to literary devices, parallelism is a powerful tool used by authors to create a sense of rhythm and balance in their writing. By repeating similar structures or phrases, authors can convey complex ideas and emotions in a clear and concise manner. In this article, we will delve into the world of parallelism and explore how it is used in Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country". We will examine the passage in question and identify the sentence that uses parallelism.

Parallelism is a literary device that involves the repetition of similar structures or phrases in a sentence or passage. This can be achieved through various means, including:

Repetition of words or phrases: Repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of each clause or sentence.
Repetition of grammatical structures: Repeating the same grammatical structure, such as using the same verb tense or sentence structure.
Repetition of ideas: Repeating similar ideas or concepts in a sentence or passage.

The passage in question is an excerpt from Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country". The passage reads:

"In the fall the war was always there, but we did not go to it any more. It was cold in the fall in Milan and the dark came down."

Upon examining the passage, we can see that the second sentence uses parallelism. The sentence reads: "It was cold in the fall in Milan and the dark came down." Here, we can see that the two clauses are structured similarly, with the first clause using the phrase "It was cold" and the second clause using the phrase "the dark came down". This repetition of grammatical structure creates a sense of balance and rhythm in the sentence, making it a good example of parallelism.

Parallelism is a powerful tool used by authors to create a sense of rhythm and balance in their writing. By repeating similar structures or phrases, authors can convey complex ideas and emotions in a clear and concise manner. In the case of the passage in question, the use of parallelism helps to create a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, drawing the reader into the world of the story.

In conclusion, the sentence "It was cold in the fall in Milan and the dark came down" from Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country" is a good example of parallelism. The repetition of grammatical structure creates a sense of balance and rhythm in the sentence, making it a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions. By understanding and analyzing parallelism, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of literature and the ways in which authors use language to create meaning.

What is parallelism, and how is it used in literature?
Can you think of other examples of parallelism in literature?
How does the use of parallelism contribute to the overall meaning of a passage or story?

Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country"
Literary devices: parallelism
Examples of parallelism in literature

Hemingway, E. (1929). In Another Country. New York: Scribner.
Kennedy, G. (1998). An Introduction to Drama. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Lanham, R. A. (1991). A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Q&A: Uncovering the Art of Parallelism in Literature

In our previous article, we explored the concept of parallelism in literature and examined a passage from Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country" that uses this literary device. In this article, we will continue to delve into the world of parallelism and answer some frequently asked questions about this powerful tool used by authors.

A: Parallelism is a literary device that involves the repetition of similar structures or phrases in a sentence or passage. This can be achieved through various means, including repetition of words or phrases, repetition of grammatical structures, and repetition of ideas.

A: Here are a few examples of parallelism in literature:

"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons" (T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock") - This line uses repetition of words and phrases to create a sense of rhythm and balance.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" (Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities") - This opening line uses repetition of grammatical structures to create a sense of contrast and tension.
"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets" (Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches") - This speech uses repetition of words and phrases to create a sense of determination and resolve.

A: Parallelism can contribute to the overall meaning of a passage or story in several ways:

Creates a sense of rhythm and balance: Parallelism can create a sense of rhythm and balance in a passage or story, making it more engaging and memorable for readers.
Conveys complex ideas and emotions: Parallelism can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for readers to understand and connect with the material.
Creates a sense of contrast and tension: Parallelism can be used to create a sense of contrast and tension in a passage or story, making it more engaging and thought-provoking for readers.

A: Yes, parallelism can be used in non-literary contexts, such as:

Speechwriting: Parallelism can be used in speechwriting to create a sense of rhythm and balance, making the speech more engaging and memorable for listeners.
Advertising: Parallelism can be used in advertising to create a sense of contrast and tension, making the product or service more appealing to consumers.
Public speaking: Parallelism can be used in public speaking to create a sense of rhythm and balance, making the presentation more engaging and memorable for listeners.

A: Here are a few tips for using parallelism in your own writing:

Experiment with different structures: Try using different structures, such as repetition of words or phrases, repetition of grammatical structures, and repetition of ideas.
Use parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and balance: Use parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and balance in your writing, making it more engaging and memorable for readers.
Use parallelism to convey complex ideas and emotions: Use parallelism to convey complex ideas and emotions in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for readers to understand and connect with the material.

In conclusion, parallelism is a powerful tool used by authors to create a sense of rhythm and balance in their writing. By understanding and analyzing parallelism, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of literature and the ways in which authors use language to create meaning. We hope that this Q&A article has been helpful in answering some of your questions about parallelism and providing you with a better understanding of this literary device.

What are some examples of parallelism in literature?
How does parallelism contribute to the overall meaning of a passage or story?
Can you think of ways to use parallelism in your own writing?

Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country"
Literary devices: parallelism
Examples of parallelism in literature

Hemingway, E. (1929). In Another Country. New York: Scribner.
Kennedy, G. (1998). An Introduction to Drama. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Lanham, R. A. (1991). A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms. Berkeley: University of California Press.