Question

Whoever is for equal rights, for equal education, for equal opportunities for all men, of whatever race or color, - I hail him as a "countryman, clansman, kinsman and brother beloved."

What is the effect of the use of parallel structure in the sentence in bold?
A. It creates an apathetic tone by repeated phrases with neutral connotations.
B. It defines the concept of equality.
C. It elaborates on the idea that people are segregated.
D. It emphasizes that he stands with anyone who stands up for equality.

Answer 1

The use of parallel structure in the sentence serves to emphasize the speaker's solidarity with anyone who supports equality, creating a rhythmic and memorable statement that underscores the inclusiveness and importance of the cause.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of parallel structure in the sentence has the effect of emphasizing solidarity and support for the cause of equality. By using repetitive phrasing such as "whoever is for equal rights, for equal education, for equal opportunities," the speaker creates a rhythm and structure that reinforces the importance of the principles being discussed. Additionally, the list of people whom the speaker aligns with – "countryman, clansman, kinsman, and brother beloved" – also uses parallelism to further deepen the sense of unity and shared values among those who support equality.

This rhetorical strategy, often seen in influential speeches and writings, stresses the point being made and makes it more memorable to the audience. It makes the ideal of equality inclusive and binds supporters together, conveying that the speaker stands with anyone who stands up for equality, which aligns with option D.