Thursday, January 22, 2009

Obama’s Inaugural Speech – A Lesson In Parallelism

In this blog, I wear two hats: writer and teacher.

As a writer, I try to improve my writing as much as I can. And so, I log on to writing websites and my favorite is www.writersdigest.com. There, I came upon an article entitled “Using Paralellism in Your Writing” by Bonnie Trenga.

What is parallelism? It is when elements of a sentence “have the same weight and are often the same part of speech. Noun, noun, noun. Check. Adjective, adjective, adjective. Yep. Verb, verb, verb. Parallelism is all about equality; parallelism creates a nice rhythm in your sentence.”

The author gave tips and instructions on how to ensure parallelism in one’s writing.

For practice, guess what? I chose President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address!

You know how many parallelisms I counted in his speech? A whopping 68! [I challenge you to do your own counting.]


Here are but some of them (in italics):

My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.

Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shattered.

Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things

They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. [There is a double parallelism here. Do you see it?]

But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. [There is a missing word here. What is it?]

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. [Tell me, where did the parallelism go off-tangent?]

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose and necessity to courage. [Do you see the three sets of parallelisms here?]

Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. [Is this another case of an off-tangent parallelism or that of two parallelisms in a single sentence?]

It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old.

What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.

Go ahead, get anybody’s speech and count the number of parallelisms. Like me, you might find the exercise interesting, exciting, and fun!

74 comments:

  1. I actually like Obama's speeches. Nainfluence ako ni Sir Acedera. Since then, i admired his speeches na.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well then you can take inspiration from him when you deliver any speech. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree! Good LUCK!

    ReplyDelete
  4. sexy love....got a thing 4 u... baby girl...sexy love.....oooooohhhhh

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's amazing to go to see this website and reading the views of all friends about this article, while I am also zealous of getting familiarity.

    My site - Louis Vuitton Bags

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, this article is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing such things, thus I am going to tell her.



    Here is my webpage :: Air Max

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi there, I check your blogs regularly. Your story-telling style
    is witty, keep doing what you're doing!

    Feel free to visit my web-site - Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  8. Admiring the time and effort you put into your site and detailed information you
    present. It's nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same old rehashed material.
    Fantastic read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm adding
    your RSS feeds to my Google account.

    Review my web site - seo link building services

    ReplyDelete
  9. Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

    My site ... seo link building

    ReplyDelete
  10. We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

    Here is my web site: Cheap Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  11. If some one desires expert view regarding blogging afterward i recommend him/her
    to pay a visit this website, Keep up the nice job.

    My weblog; More Help

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love looking through an article that can make people think.
    Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!



    my blog post - Sac A Main Louis Vuitton

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, that's what I was seeking for, what a stuff! existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this website.

    Look into my webpage - http://slc-wireless.com/air-max-pas-cher.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with
    hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to
    no data backup. Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?


    my web-site - Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags

    ReplyDelete
  15. whoah this weblog is fantastic i love studying your posts.
    Keep up the great work! You recognize, lots of individuals are looking around
    for this info, you could help them greatly.

    Feel free to visit my web page: Abercrombie France

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello! I just would like to offer you a big thumbs up for
    the excellent information you have got right here on this post.
    I'll be returning to your site for more soon.

    Feel free to surf to my site - More Info

    ReplyDelete
  17. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I
    find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad for me.

    I'm looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

    Also visit my web-site; Recommended Reading

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin
    for my comment form? I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having difficulty
    finding one? Thanks a lot!

    Here is my website: Michael Kors Handbags ()

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'll immediately snatch your rss feed as I can't find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Kindly let me realize in order that I could subscribe.
    Thanks.

    Look into my blog: Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  20. naturally like your web-site however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite
    a few of your posts. A number of them are rife
    with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality nevertheless
    I will definitely come again again.

    Feel free to surf to my homepage Chaussures Foot

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello! I could have sworn I've been to this blog before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it's new to me.
    Nonetheless, I'm definitely delighted I found it and I'll
    be book-marking it and checking back frequently!


    Feel free to surf to my web page - Soldes Air Jordan

    ReplyDelete
  22. This paragraph is truly a fastidious one it assists new web viewers, who
    are wishing in favor of blogging.

    Also visit my web blog; Michael Kors Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  23. They will then have to obtain a permanent mortgage when the
    work is completed to pay off the interim financing. You are no longer
    obliged to keep requesting the bank to help you. To some persons the money score rating
    organization might as well be Egypt hieroglyphics.


    Here is my weblog - creditos rapidos sin papeleos

    ReplyDelete
  24. The 8-ball pool is occasionally called solids and stripes because the balls are colored because such.
    Helpful software gives tips for beginners on the
    best way to figure out your angle, making this complicated process a little
    easier for the technically challenged. As it was first compared
    to antidisestablishmentarianism much have been said
    related to 8 soccer ball swimming chop simply
    by socialists, stuck simply by their own notorious historical past.


    my website ... 8 ball pool hack tool

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am really grateful to the owner of this web page who has shared this
    great post at at this time.

    my web blog :: tax attorneys

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi, I’m Smith warner. I’m a student living in Miami, Florida. I am a fan of technology, design, and software. I’m also interested in web development and Software. You can visit my website with a click on the button Below.

    Mcafee.com/activate
    Mcafee activate
    Mcafee Activate 25 digit code
    norton.com/setup
    norton setup
    office.com/setup
    office setup
    office.com/setup
    office setup

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is a tool in Microsoft Word that checks what you’re typing as you type it. It has a list of sequences of characters to look for. If you type some characters that match one of the entries in the list, the program automatically changes what you typed to what it thinks should be there (by what is specified in the list). By default, the list that AutoCorrect uses contains the most common typos and spelling errors, along with some symbols
    Office.com/Setup |
    office Setup |
    mcafee.com/activate |
    mcafee activate |

    ReplyDelete
  28. It?s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you?re talking about! Thanks ball games

    ReplyDelete
  29. Really your post is so impressive and knowledgale thanks for sharing us and i also have something releated information for everyone office.com/setup
    www.office.com/setup product key
    www.office.com/setupkey
    office.com/setup login
    www.office.com/setup key

    ReplyDelete
  30. Its really amazing post thanks for sharing with us i also have something for you knowledgeable releated post norton.com/setup
    www.norton.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  31. I really happy found this website eventually. Really informative and inoperative, Thanks for the post and effort! Please keep sharing more such blog.

    norton.com/setup
    norton.com/setup
    mcafee.com/activate
    kaspersky activation code
    norton.com/setup
    pogo not loading
    roadrunner email
    aol mail password recovery

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm so glad you enjoyed your Post. Thanks for inspiring on this. It is very informative on subject or topic. and Thanks For Sharing this post. i have something to sharing here... www.mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is very informative post, good work, i like this content and wish to read more from you. thanks for such a informative post. I also like to share some useful links. www.office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  34. I really happy found this website eventually. Really informative and inoperative, Thanks for the post and effort! Please keep sharing more such blog.

    www.norton.com/setup

    roadrunner email

    aol mail password recovery

    mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks to author of post for such a great information.I like your blog post and subscribe your blog for all your future post.i have also some links which i think is useful for some users. I have something to share here.

    norton.com/setup,
    www.norton.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is very informative post, good work, i like this content and wish to read more from you. thanks for such a informative post. i also like to share some useful links.
    www.avg.com/retail,
    avg.com/activation,
    avg.com/retail

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it.mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  38. I really happy found this website eventually. Really informative and inoperative, Thanks for the post and effort! Please keep sharing more such blog.mcafee.com/activate,www.mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is very informative post, good work, i like this content and wish to read more from you. thanks for such a informative post. i also like to share some useful links.

    McAfee.com/activate,
    www.mcafee.com/activate,
    www.mcafee.com/activate total protection,
    www.mcafee.com/activate product key,

    ReplyDelete
  40. McAfee total protection is a popular product worldwide to secure your computer and mobile devices from viruses and malware protection. Anyone can download the world’s most trusted antivirus from McAfee's official website and login in a few simple steps. I am also using this software for the last 5 years and getting live support with easy access to Mcafee Account Login to solve all issues myself. Visit to McAfee login page for getting an instant solution.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you for such an interesting blog. IGNOU Assignments 2019-20 We have assembled the IGNOU course task arrangement that you can discover in this part.
    Ignou solved Assignment | Ignou solved Assignment

    ReplyDelete
  42. this is really a great content. i must appreciate your work. i love it. office.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  43. Obama was really a great president and his way of speaking was so good . Inaugural speech of obama is really nice you explained each thing which obama said .
    Thankyou for sharing this article with us .
    mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  44. "Thankyou for sharing the wonderful post and all the best for your future. I hope to see more post from you. I am satisfied with the arrangement of your post.
    You are really a talented person I have ever seen
    aol email login| aol email login|
    netgearrouterlogin|facebooksignin|
    gmail not working|comcastemaillogin|
    roadrunneremaillogin|
    aol email login|
    paypallogin||aol email login||
    yahoo maillogin||yahoo maillogin|
    quickbooks online login||
    intuit quickbooks login||
    amazoncompromocode"

    ReplyDelete
  45. "Thankyou for sharing the wonderful post and all the best for your future. I hope to see more post from you. I am satisfied with the arrangement of your post.
    You are really a talented person I have ever seen
    aol email login| aol email login|
    netgearrouterlogin|facebooksignin|
    gmail not working|comcastemaillogin|
    roadrunneremaillogin|
    aol email login|
    paypallogin||aol email login||
    yahoo maillogin||yahoo maillogin|
    quickbooks online login||
    intuit quickbooks login||
    amazoncompromocode"

    ReplyDelete
  46. paypal log in: We have mentioned the step-by-step PayPal create and login procedure. Thus, after going through this blog, you would create your account and perform paypal login without any issue.

    ReplyDelete
  47. You can fubo.tv/activate by entering the code on the screen fubo.tv/connect enter code. You must know that if you are experiencing issues with signing in on your Apple devices. if you have forgotten your details, you can log in with fubo.tv/connect code to proceed and check the app version. fubo.tv/Connect

    ReplyDelete
  48. It is important to remember that Amazon Prime Video is not compatible with every streaming device. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Amazon Prime Video is still relatively new. The service is still available on many devices.
    www.amazon.com/mytv login
    amazon/mytv
    primevideo/mytv enter code
    paypal login
    www.amazon.com/mytv enter code

    ReplyDelete
  49. You can simply visit Amazon.com/mytv to link your Amazon Prime Video account to your streaming device.
    amazon.com/code
    www.amazon.com/mytv
    primevideo/mytv enter code
    www.amazon.com/code
    amazon/mytv



    ReplyDelete
  50. Go to Amazon.com/mytv now and create your Amazon account. If you don't have a record yet, sign in to it.
    amazon/mytv
    amazon.com/redeem
    amazon.com/redeem
    xfinity.com/authorize

    ReplyDelete
  51. Concern Info Tech is the Top SEO company in Chennai. We provide best SEO services for all kind of business.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Amazon.com/mytvPrime is Amazon's paid subscription. It gives you unlimited access to many services, including fast delivery, unlimited streaming and exclusive deals. Unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies is available to Prime subscribers. Amazon Instant Video offers most of its content free of charge.Amazon Prime Membership.
    espn.com/activate
    netflix.com/activate
    netflix.com/activate
    Xfinity.com/authorize
    Xfinity.com/authorize

    ReplyDelete
  53. www.amazon.com/mytv You have just received another Amazon device. What do you do? You will need to figure out how to connect your devices with Prime so that you can watch and tune into select Prime video content from anywhere. Simply create an amazon account and activate it using the amazon my TV activation code.
    Primevideo/mytv
    Primevideo/mytv
    amazon.co.uk/mytv
    amazon.co.uk/mytv
    amazon.co.uk/mytv

    ReplyDelete
  54. Amazon Prime Video allows clients to download their top shows and videos to view later. This option is great for clients who want to enjoy Amazon Prime Video in disconnected mode. If you have registered your devices using amazon.com/mytv, you will be able to view the downloaded videos immediately on your device. Follow the below steps to download your top-rated videos from Amazon Prime Video.
    amazon.com/code
    amazon.com/redeem
    paypal login
    www.Amazon.com/mytv
    www.Amazon.com/mytv

    ReplyDelete
  55. I use this software myself, and no flaws or faults have been discovered, thus I believe it is the greatest option.
    Multiple language skills and support have been really beneficial to me.
    imyfone fixppo crack
    edraw max crack
    hotspot shield crack

    ReplyDelete
  56. Mobile Prices Bangladesh really creative site you have done an thoughs of great things

    ReplyDelete
  57. As crypto trading is increasing mainstream nowadays, there are several methods that you can follow to prevent your Cryptocurrency from cybercrimes. Several popular platforms like Coinbase pro allow their users to trade a variety of digital assets on a secure, insurance-backed platform. But sometimes, you may experience issues while creating your Coinbase pro sign up account. Here, in this article, we have mentioned quick steps that you can follow to create your Coinbase Pro account.

    coinbase.com login
    coinbase wallet
    crypto.com login

    ReplyDelete
  58. Having said that, our conversation about pay pal log in and associated issues concerns a finish. These details that are helpful might be availed by anybody who's interested in linking pay pal. 1 thing which most users should pay attention to is that PayPal can be actually a stage which can be employed by anybody. Consequently, if you're in an issue which onlinepayment platform you ought to choose, in that case your first priority should be pay pal. Once you create your choice, simply make an account and then go throughout the pay pal log in process to get into all these features.
    eBay Customer Service
    netflix.com/activate
    netflix.com/activate
    amazon.com/redeem
    check walmart gift card balance

    ReplyDelete
  59. Le joli site contient vraiment des choses ici, mais si vous voulez convertir un fichier dans n'importe quel format, voici un site appelé fusionnerPDF Le format est pratique pour enregistrer des fichiers qui ne nécessitent pas d'édition mais qui sont faciles à imprimer et à partager. Si vous avez tendance à modifier un fichier protégé par copyright pour cela, consultez ce site fusionner PDF

    ReplyDelete
  60. I guess I am the only one who came here to share my very own experience. Guess what!? I am using my laptop for almost the past 2 years, but I had no idea of solving some basic issues. I do not know how to Crack Softwares Free Download But thankfully, I recently visited a website named ProCrackHere
    Window 12 Pro Crack
    Window 12 Activator Crack

    ReplyDelete
  61. I was reading your article and noticed if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject.Your gathering and lead unconventional task to have these outstanding contents of emulator so lick and get best ds emulator for pc

    ReplyDelete
  62. I like your all post. You have done really good work. Thank you for the information you provide, it helped me a lot. I hope to have many more entries or so from you.
    Very interesting blog.
    Virtual DJ Pro Infinity Crack
    Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Crack
    Hot Door CADtools Crack
    DocuFreezer Crack
    BS.Player Pro Crack
    NetSetMan Pro Crack

    ReplyDelete

Leave an honest comment but if you can't be honest, be kind