The Impact of Parallelism on Mood in Creative Nonfiction
What is the significance of the author's use of parallelism in the excerpt from the creative nonfiction assignment?
The author's use of parallelism contributes to the mood of the excerpt because it creates an eager mood by repeating actions taken and observed by the narrator.
Understanding Mood and Parallelism
Mood in a story is the ambient or atmosphere the author creates to involve the readers and evoke feelings. It is crucial in setting the tone of the narrative and guiding the emotional response of the audience. Mood is crafted through various literary elements such as words, phrases, expressions, and descriptions. Parallelism:
Parallelism is a literary device characterized by the repetition of similar grammatical structures within a sentence or paragraph. This technique enhances the flow of writing, emphasizes ideas, and aids in creating a sense of rhythm and coherence. Analysis of the Excerpt:
In the provided excerpt, the author employs parallelism by repeating the structure of "I looked at the dog. He looked at me, tail waving. I looked at the lake. It looked back at me." This repetition of actions serves to intensify the narrative by building anticipation and interest. The parallel structure of the sentences mirrors the cyclical nature of the narrator's interactions with both the dog and the lake. Impact on Mood:
The recurrence of these parallel actions imbues the scene with a sense of eagerness and anticipation. The narrator's observation of the dog and the lake, each reciprocating the gaze, creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The repeated patterns of looking and responding establish a rhythm that propels the story forward and engages the reader in the unfolding narrative. In conclusion, the author's use of parallelism in the excerpt from the creative nonfiction assignment enhances the mood of the piece by evoking an eager and expectant atmosphere through the repetition of observed actions. This literary technique adds depth to the narrative, drawing the reader into the unfolding story with a sense of anticipation and curiosity.