Exploring Parallel Structure in Fdr's Powerful Speeches

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, delivered some of the most memorable and impactful speeches in American history. His ability to connect with the public during times of crisis—such as the Great Depression and World War II—can be attributed to his mastery of language and rhetorical devices. One significant technique that stands out in Roosevelt’s speeches is parallel structure, which he employed to create rhythm, emphasize key points, and enhance emotional resonance. This essay explores how FDR effectively used parallel structure in his speeches to persuade and inspire a nation facing unprecedented challenges.

The Power of Parallel Structure

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, involves using similar grammatical forms or structures within a sentence or series of sentences. This device can create a sense of balance and clarity while making an argument more compelling. In his speeches, Roosevelt utilized parallelism not just for stylistic elegance but also as a means to unify ideas and reinforce his messages.

A prime example can be found in his famous “Day of Infamy” speech delivered on December 8, 1941. In this address following the attack on Pearl Harbor, FDR declared:

• "We will go on to the end,"
• "We will fight in France,"
• "We will fight on the seas and oceans,"
• "We will fight with growing confidence."

This repetition of "We will fight" serves multiple purposes: it creates a rhythmic cadence that makes the speech memorable while simultaneously instilling hope and determination among Americans. By employing this structure, Roosevelt reinforces national unity against external threats.

Roosevelt's use of parallel structure not only reinforced key themes but also engaged listeners emotionally. The rhythmic quality elicited feelings of strength and resilience during dark times. For instance, in his inaugural address in 1933 during the Great Depression, he famously stated:

“Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

This sentence's parallel construction highlights fear's paralyzing nature while contrasting it with action ("convert retreat into advance"). The repetition emphasizes both what must be overcome (fear) and what must be achieved (progress), rallying citizens around shared values.

Another critical aspect of FDR's use of parallel structure lies in its ability to build trust between him and his audience. By presenting information consistently through familiar patterns, he established reliability as a speaker—and by extension—as a leader.

In various addresses throughout his presidency—including fireside chats—FDR often framed complex issues using simple yet powerful constructs that resonated with everyday Americans. For example:

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”

This statement employs contrasting elements through parallelism (“those who have much” versus “those who have too little”), allowing listeners from diverse backgrounds to understand their significance clearly while reinforcing Roosevelt’s commitment to social equity.

The effective use of parallel structure in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speeches showcases his linguistic prowess as well as his understanding of human psychology during tumultuous times. By crafting sentences that resonate rhythmically and emotionally with audiences while reinforcing core themes such as unity, resilience, progressiveness, and equity; FDR created lasting impressions that shaped American consciousness during critical moments in history.

His mastery over language continues to inspire leaders today—a testament to how powerful rhetoric can motivate nations toward collective action when faced with adversity.

• Baker III., C., & Taylor., R.F.(2004). *The Speech: A Historical Analysis*. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
• Draper., T.(2001). *Franklin D.Roosevelt: A Political Life*. New York: Public Affairs Books.
• Lepore., J.(2019). *This America: The Case for The Nation*. New York: W.W.Norton & Company.
• Patterson., J.T.(2010). *Grand Expectations: The United States 1945-1974*. New York: Oxford University Press.