What literary technique involves placing phrases or sentences with similar constructions side by side?

• A. Metaphor
• B. Simile
• C. Parallelism
• D. Alliteration

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is a literary technique known as parallelism. This technique involves the use of similar grammatical structures in phrases or sentences that are placed close together or side by side in a piece of writing. Parallelism helps to create rhythm, enhance clarity, and emphasize a particular point or idea. It is commonly found in poetry, speeches, and prose to create a sense of balance and harmony in the text.

For instance, consider the famous phrase from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, where he begins multiple sentences with “I have a dream.” This repetition creates a powerful and memorable effect, reinforcing the message he aims to convey.

In contrast, the other choices represent different literary techniques. Metaphor refers to a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one is another to illustrate a point. Simile, similar to metaphor, compares two different things but does so explicitly using "like" or "as." Alliteration involves the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in a series of words or phrases, typically used to create a musical quality or focus attention on a specific part of the text.