Final answer:
The predominant type of parallelism in literature and speeches involves using similar grammatical structures for rhetorical effect, such as what is exemplified in Kennedy's inaugural speech, Christian typology, and various literary forms including chiasmus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The predominant type of parallelism in literature or speeches is a rhetorical device used to enhance the fluency and organize the structure of the text. An example can be seen in President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, where parallelism not only adds impact but also creates an organized support system for his ideas. Common forms of parallelism include anaphora and epistrophe, where repetition of certain phrases or clauses occurs at the beginning or end of successive sentences or clauses, respectively. This rhetorical strategy adds symmetry and balance to the text, making the ideas more memorable and the sentence structure more pleasing to the ear.
Furthermore, the Christian tradition of typology exemplifies parallelism by drawing parallels between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, such as the events that foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ. Similarly, in poetry and prose, a change of tone or the introduction of an audience can establish a parallel structure or thematic symmetry. The use of chiasmus, a specific form of parallelism where the grammatical structure is reversed, also adds a layer of complexity and new meaning to literary works.