Examples of Parallelism in The Declaration of Independence

When examining the Declaration of Independence, one cannot help but notice the powerful and effective use of parallelism throughout the text. Parallelism, a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of grammatical structures, plays a crucial role in conveying the main ideas and arguments of the document. By employing parallelism, the authors of the Declaration were able to emphasize their points, create a sense of rhythm, and enhance the overall impact of their words. This essay will explore several key examples of parallelism in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting their significance and examining the implications they have on the document as a whole.

One notable instance of parallelism in the Declaration can be found in the opening sentences:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Here, the repetition of the phrase "that" creates parallel structure and emphasizes the fundamental principles on which the new nation is built. By using parallelism, the authors effectively convey the idea that these rights are universal and inherent to all individuals. Furthermore, the use of parallelism in this passage creates a rhythmic quality that captures the attention of the reader, making the opening sentences of the Declaration memorable and impactful.

Another instance of parallelism can be found in the list of grievances against the British Crown:

"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them."

In this passage, parallelism is employed to highlight the oppressive actions of the British monarchy. The repetition of the phrase "He has" at the beginning of each clause creates a powerful and accusatory tone, underscoring the grievances of the colonists. This parallel structure serves to unite the various complaints and amplify their impact, leaving no doubt about the severity of the British Crown's offenses.

Furthermore, parallelism is used in the concluding paragraphs of the Declaration, where the authors assert their determination to break away from British rule:

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

By repeating the phrase "We... do," the authors emphasize their collective resolve and determination. This parallel structure underscores the unity of purpose among the colonists and reinforces the gravity of their decision to declare independence. The use of parallelism in this section adds strength and conviction to the document, ensuring that its message resonates with both contemporaneous and future readers.

In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence is replete with examples of parallelism, a rhetorical device that enhances the clarity, impact, and memorability of the document. Through the strategic use of parallel structure, the authors effectively convey their beliefs, assert their grievances, and declare their independence. The parallelism in the opening sentences emphasizes the universal nature of the rights they are fighting for, while the parallelism in the list of grievances amplifies the severity of the British Crown's offenses. Finally, the parallelism in the concluding paragraphs underscores the collective determination of the colonists. Overall, the use of parallelism in the Declaration of Independence contributes to its enduring significance and status as a seminal document in American history.