Amplifying by Means of Parallel Construction.

Amplifying by Means of Parallel Construc¬tion.
In the following quotation observe that those
portions enclosed in parentheses are in parallel con¬struction and are used only to amplify a thought by the addition of one or more coordinate words, phrases, or clauses. The sentence would be com¬plete each time if read with the portions in parentheses omitted.
"Not so long and wide the world is, (Not so rude and rough the way is,) But my wrath shall overtake you,
(And my vengeance shall attain you! ")
Like an antelope he bounded, Till he came unto a streamlet In the middle of the forest,
(To a streamlet still and tranquil, That had overflowed its margin,) (To a dam made by the beavers,) (To a pond of quiet water,)
Where knee-deep the trees were standing, (Where the water-lilies floated,)
(Where the rushes waved and whispered.)
No one ever shot an arrow
Half so far and high as he had ; Ever caught so many fishes,) Ever killed so many reindeer,) Ever trapped so many beaver !)
None could run so fast as he could, (None could swim so far as he could ;) (None had made so many journeys,) As this wonderful Iagoo,
(As this marvelous story-teller !)
.	.	.	.
But she said: "I care not for you,
Care not for your belts of wampum,) Care not for your paint and feathers,) Care not for your jests and laughter ;) am happy with Osseo !" 
	HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, Hiawatha.
	
Amplifying by means of parallel construction is merely a problem in the addition of coordinate phrases, clauses, etc. Many other examples of this kind of elaboration occur in Hiawatha.
SUGGESTIONS.— Read the above quotations, omitting the por¬tions within the parentheses. Are the sentences complete?
Category:Writing techniques