Why Does Douglass Use Parallelism

The Power of Parallelism: Unpacking Douglass's Masterful Use of Repetition in Narrative

Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave stands as a cornerstone of American literature, not only for its harrowing depiction of slavery but also for its masterful use of literary techniques. Among these, parallelism, the deliberate repetition of grammatical structures, plays a crucial role in conveying the emotional weight of Douglass's experiences, reinforcing his arguments against slavery, and ultimately shaping the narrative's powerful impact. This article delves into the various ways Douglass employs parallelism, exploring its rhetorical effect and its contribution to the lasting legacy of his work. Understanding Douglass's use of parallelism provides invaluable insight into the strategic construction of his narrative and its continued relevance in contemporary discussions about social justice and oppression.

Understanding Parallelism: A Rhetorical Tool

Before examining Douglass's use of parallelism, it's essential to define the term. Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of similar grammatical structures within a sentence or series of sentences. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm, balance, and emphasis, making the writing more memorable and impactful. Think of it as a rhythmic echo, reinforcing the idea being presented. It's not simply about repeating words; it's about repeating structures.

There are several types of parallelism, including:

• Parallelism of words: Repeating single words with similar grammatical function. Example: "She is kind, generous, and compassionate."
• Parallelism of phrases: Repeating phrases with similar grammatical structures. Example: "He enjoys swimming in the ocean, hiking in the mountains, and camping in the forest."
• Parallelism of clauses: Repeating clauses (independent or dependent) with similar grammatical structures. Example: "While she was studying, he was sleeping; while she was working, he was playing."

Douglass masterfully employs all these types of parallelism, weaving them seamlessly into his narrative to achieve specific rhetorical goals.

Douglass's Purpose: More Than Just Vivid Description

Douglass's Narrative isn't merely a personal account; it's a powerful anti-slavery argument designed to persuade a largely white, abolitionist audience. Parallelism serves several crucial purposes in achieving this goal:

• Emphasizing the brutality of slavery: By repeatedly describing the horrors of slavery using parallel structures, Douglass underscores the systematic nature of the cruelty and dehumanization inflicted upon enslaved people. The repetitive structure mirrors the repetitive nature of the violence itself, emphasizing its relentless and pervasive impact.
• Highlighting the hypocrisy of slaveholders: Douglass uses parallelism to expose the contradictions in the slaveholders' claims of Christianity and morality. He juxtaposes their pious pronouncements with the brutal realities of their actions, using parallel structures to create a stark contrast that highlights the hypocrisy.
• Building emotional impact: The rhythmic repetition inherent in parallelism creates a powerful emotional response in the reader. By structuring his descriptions in this way, Douglass enhances the emotional impact of his narrative, making the experiences of slavery more visceral and unforgettable.
• Establishing credibility and authority: Through the skillful use of parallelism, Douglass establishes himself as a credible and articulate narrator. The sophisticated use of rhetoric reinforces his intelligence and underscores the validity of his experiences and arguments.
• Creating a sense of unity and coherence: Parallelism helps to organize and structure the narrative, providing a sense of unity and coherence that reinforces the overall argument. The repeated structures guide the reader through the complex experiences Douglass describes, making them easier to understand and digest.

Examples of Parallelism in Douglass's Narrative

Let's explore specific examples of parallelism within the Narrative to illustrate its rhetorical effectiveness:

1. Emphasizing the dehumanizing aspects of slavery:

"We were sold, separated, and scattered; we were broken up, torn asunder, and dismembered." This passage uses parallelism of phrases to highlight the violent disruption and fragmentation caused by the slave system. The repetition underscores the brutal and arbitrary nature of the separations forced upon enslaved families. The parallelism creates a sense of overwhelming chaos and loss.

2. Contrasting the professed piety of slaveholders with their actions:

Douglass often contrasts the religious pronouncements of slaveholders with their cruel treatment of slaves. He might write something like, "They claimed to be Christians, yet they beat and whipped us mercilessly; they preached about love, yet they treated us as beasts of burden." This use of parallel clauses creates a powerful contrast, highlighting the hypocrisy at the heart of the slaveholding system. The parallel structure emphasizes the stark difference between their words and their actions, leaving the reader to question their true beliefs.

3. Describing the psychological effects of slavery:

"I felt myself degraded, humiliated, and broken; I felt myself stripped of my humanity, my dignity, my very soul." This use of parallelism of phrases effectively conveys the profound psychological impact of slavery on Douglass. The repetition emphasizes the overwhelming sense of loss and despair, driving home the dehumanizing effects of the system. The reader can almost feel the weight of these emotions alongside Douglass.

4. Showcasing the resilience and determination of the enslaved:

Douglass frequently uses parallelism to highlight the resilience and strength of the enslaved people. He might describe their perseverance as, "They worked tirelessly, they endured hardship, they resisted oppression." The parallel structure reinforces their collective strength and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. This portrayal offers a counterpoint to the often-dehumanized representations of enslaved people, demonstrating their agency and active resistance.

Beyond the Obvious: Subtle Parallelism in Douglass's Prose

Douglass's use of parallelism extends beyond easily identifiable instances of repeated structures. He often uses subtle forms of parallelism that contribute to the overall rhythm and impact of his writing. These include:

• Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This technique creates a powerful sense of emphasis and builds momentum.
• Epistrophe: The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. This technique creates a sense of closure and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Symploce: The combination of anaphora and epistrophe, repeating words or phrases at both the beginning and end of successive clauses or sentences. This creates a particularly forceful and memorable effect.

These subtle forms of parallelism, when combined with the more overt instances, contribute to the overall power and persuasiveness of Douglass's narrative. They help create a sense of rhythm and flow, making the narrative more engaging and memorable for the reader.

The Lasting Impact: Parallelism and the Legacy of Douglass's Narrative

Douglass's masterful use of parallelism is not merely a stylistic choice; it is a fundamental aspect of the Narrative's power and enduring influence. The deliberate repetition of structures contributes to the narrative's emotional impact, its rhetorical effectiveness, and its ability to resonate with readers across generations. By understanding the ways in which Douglass employs parallelism, we gain a deeper appreciation for his literary skill and the enduring relevance of his message about the fight against injustice and oppression. His work remains a powerful testament to the power of language, not just to convey a story, but to inspire action and lasting change.

Conclusion: A Call to Action through Repetition

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass remains a crucial text in understanding the horrors of slavery and the struggle for freedom. Douglass’s strategic deployment of parallelism is not a mere stylistic flourish; it's a powerful tool shaping the narrative's emotional impact and persuasive force. By understanding the various forms of parallelism he employs – from overt repetitions to subtle rhythmic echoes – we can more deeply appreciate the artistry and intellectual rigor underpinning his powerful anti-slavery argument. The enduring legacy of his work lies not only in the harrowing truths it reveals but also in the sophisticated literary techniques that ensure its message continues to resonate with readers today, inspiring us to confront injustice and strive for a more just and equitable world. The repetition in his writing isn't just a literary device; it’s a call to action, a continuous echo of a fight for freedom that continues to this day.