Introduction
Frederick Douglass, a prominent American abolitionist, author, and orator, is celebrated for his powerful and eloquent speeches and writings that galvanized the anti-slavery movement in the 19th century. One of the most striking features of Douglass’s rhetorical style is his use of parallelism. This article explores why Douglass employs parallelism in his works, examining its impact on his message, its effectiveness in persuasion, and its role in enhancing the emotional and intellectual appeal of his arguments.
Understanding Parallelism
What is Parallelism?
Parallelism is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a grammatical structure in a series of phrases or sentences. This technique creates rhythm, balance, and symmetry in writing, making the message more memorable and impactful. Parallelism can occur at various levels, including words, phrases, clauses, or entire sentences. By using parallelism, writers and speakers can emphasize important points, create a sense of cohesion, and enhance the persuasive power of their arguments.
Historical and Literary Context
Parallelism has been used by orators and writers throughout history to enhance their rhetoric. From ancient Greek and Roman speeches to religious texts and literary masterpieces, parallelism has proven to be an effective tool for communication. Douglass, a master of rhetoric, drew upon this rich tradition to craft his speeches and writings, imbuing them with a powerful sense of rhythm and resonance.
The Role of Parallelism in Douglass’s Works
Emphasizing Key Points
One of the primary reasons Douglass uses parallelism is to emphasize key points in his arguments. By repeating similar grammatical structures, he can highlight the central ideas he wants his audience to remember. For example, in his famous speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Douglass uses parallelism to underscore the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom in a nation that practices slavery:
“To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony.”
The repetition of the structure “to drag a man in fetters” and “call upon him to join you” draws attention to the stark contrast between the ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery, making Douglass’s point more compelling and memorable.
Creating Rhythm and Flow
Parallelism contributes to the rhythm and flow of Douglass’s prose, making his speeches and writings more engaging and easier to follow. The rhythmic quality of parallel structures can captivate an audience, drawing them in and maintaining their attention. This rhythmic flow is particularly important in oral presentations, where maintaining audience engagement is crucial.
For instance, in his autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” Douglass uses parallelism to create a rhythmic narrative that enhances the emotional impact of his story:
“I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it. By far the larger part of the slaves know as little of their ages as horses know of theirs, and it is the wish of most masters within my knowledge to keep their slaves thus ignorant.”
The parallel structure of “I have no accurate knowledge of my age” and “By far the larger part of the slaves know as little of their ages” creates a rhythm that reinforces the shared experience of ignorance among slaves, highlighting the dehumanizing nature of slavery.
Enhancing Persuasion
Parallelism is a powerful persuasive tool that can make arguments more convincing by presenting ideas in a clear, organized, and forceful manner. Douglass uses parallelism to build logical arguments, appealing to both the emotions and intellect of his audience. By structuring his points in parallel form, he makes his arguments more accessible and compelling.
In his speech “The Hypocrisy of American Slavery,” delivered on July 4, 1852, Douglass uses parallelism to dismantle the justifications for slavery:
“Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me.”
The repetition of the structure “The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice” and “The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence” emphasizes the exclusion of slaves from the rights and freedoms enjoyed by white Americans, making his critique of American hypocrisy more persuasive.
Evoking Emotional Responses
Douglass’s use of parallelism also serves to evoke strong emotional responses from his audience. By repeating similar structures, he can amplify the emotional intensity of his message, making it more impactful. This emotional resonance is crucial in persuading audiences to empathize with the plight of slaves and to take action against slavery.
In his speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Douglass uses parallelism to convey the profound sense of injustice and pain experienced by slaves:
“To us, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.”
The repeated structure “your… is” followed by negative descriptors creates a powerful litany of condemnation, evoking a sense of outrage and sorrow that deepens the impact of Douglass’s message.
Conclusion
Frederick Douglass’s use of parallelism is a testament to his mastery of rhetoric and his ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity, force, and emotional power. Through parallelism, Douglass emphasizes key points, creates rhythm and flow, enhances persuasion, and evokes emotional responses. This rhetorical device allows him to craft compelling arguments that resonate deeply with his audience, making his speeches and writings enduringly impactful. Douglass’s use of parallelism not only showcases his rhetorical skill but also underscores the enduring power of effective communication in the fight for justice and equality.
