Literary Term - Balanced Sentence

 

Literary Term

Balanced Sentence 

A balanced sentence is a literary device characterized by the arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in a grammatically parallel structure, which creates a sense of symmetry and harmony in a sentence. In a balanced sentence, two or more elements are presented in a parallel manner, often separated by a conjunction like "and," "but," "or," or "nor." This parallel structure adds rhythm, emphasis, and clarity to the sentence, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader.

Example:

"Her laughter was contagious, her smile was captivating, and her presence was truly uplifting."

In this sentence, the parallel structure is maintained with the repetition of the adjective-noun phrases ("contagious laughter," "captivating smile," "uplifting presence"), creating a balanced and harmonious effect.

Balanced sentences are often used in literature, rhetoric, and speeches to convey a sense of equilibrium and elegance, as well as to emphasize certain ideas or concepts by presenting them in a structured and organized manner.

Balanced Sentence in President Lincoln Address

One of the most famous instances of a balanced sentence can be found in Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War. In this iconic speech, President Lincoln used balanced sentences to convey his message of honoring the fallen soldiers and reuniting the nation.

 

"…we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground."

In this excerpt, Lincoln uses a repetitive structure with the phrases "we can not" followed by verbs: "dedicate," "consecrate," and "hallow." This repetition creates a balanced sentence that emphasizes the idea that the people gathered there cannot truly honor the ground where soldiers fought and died. The parallel structure adds a rhythmic quality to the speech, making it more impactful and memorable.

Throughout the Address, Lincoln employs balanced sentences to maintain a sense of symmetry and rhythm while conveying profound thoughts about the nature of the nation and the sacrifices made during the war. This stylistic device enhances the emotional and persuasive impact of the speech.

In Advertising

Balanced sentences are often used in advertising to create memorable and persuasive slogans or taglines that stick in the minds of consumers. By using parallel structure and repetition, advertisers can emphasize key features, benefits, or messages related to a product or service. Here's an example:

 

Slogan for a Fitness Brand:

"Train hard, eat smart, live strong."

In this example, the balanced sentence structure is evident with the parallel verbs "train," "eat," and "live," all followed by adjectives that emphasize positive qualities ("hard," "smart," "strong"). This structure not only makes the slogan rhythmically pleasing but also reinforces the brand's message of a holistic approach to fitness.

 

Slogan for a Sustainable Fashion Brand:

"Style with purpose, fashion with conscience."

Here, the parallel structure of "style with purpose" and "fashion with conscience" creates a balanced sentence that succinctly conveys the brand's commitment to both aesthetics and ethical considerations.

 

Slogan for a Travel Agency:

"Explore new horizons, create lasting memories."

In this example, the balanced sentence structure is used to highlight the benefits of travel: discovering new places ("explore new horizons") and forming meaningful experiences ("create lasting memories").

 

Balanced sentences in advertising serve to make the message more memorable, catchy, and effective in communicating the intended idea or brand identity. The parallel structure creates a sense of harmony and rhythm that draws attention and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Examples of Balanced Sentence in Literature

Balanced sentences are a common literary device used to create symmetry, rhythm, and emphasis in various forms of literature. Here are a few examples from classic and well-known literary works:

 

Charles Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities":

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..."

This famous opening line from Dickens' novel is a prime example of balanced sentence structure. The repetition of the parallel phrases emphasizes the contrasting nature of the times and introduces the themes that will be explored in the story.

 

William Shakespeare, "Hamlet":

"To be or not to be, that is the question."

Shakespeare often employed balanced sentences to encapsulate complex thoughts. In this line, the parallel structure of "to be" and "not to be" contrasts the choices and dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Hamlet.

 

Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice":

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

Austen uses balanced sentence structure to deliver her satirical observations in a rhythmic and memorable manner. The repetition of the pattern "It is a truth universally acknowledged..." emphasizes the societal expectations of the time.

 

George Orwell, "Animal Farm":

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

In this line from Orwell's allegorical novella, the parallel structure with the contrasting clauses illustrates the ironic distortion of the principle of equality on the farm.

 

Mark Twain, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn":

"You don’t know about me, without you have read a book by the name of 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' but that ain’t no matter."

Twain's use of balanced sentence structure adds a conversational and distinctive voice to his writing. The sentence is constructed with a parallel structure that conveys the narrator's colloquial tone.

 

These examples demonstrate how balanced sentences are used by authors to enhance the literary quality of their works, create emphasis, and engage readers through rhythmic and memorable phrasing.

Function of Balanced Sentence

Balanced sentences serve several important functions in writing, rhetoric, and communication. These functions contribute to the effectiveness of the text and enhance its impact on the reader or audience. Here are some key functions of balanced sentences:

Emphasis and Clarity: Balanced sentences help emphasize key ideas or concepts by presenting them in a structured and organized manner. The parallel structure draws attention to the elements being compared or contrasted, making the message clearer and more impactful.

Rhythm and Flow: The repetitive pattern in balanced sentences creates a rhythmic quality in the text. This rhythm can enhance the reading experience, making the writing more engaging, musical, and pleasing to the ear.

Memorability: The symmetry and repetition in balanced sentences make them easier to remember. This is particularly useful for slogans, quotes, speeches, and other forms of communication where making the content memorable is important.

Persuasion and Impact: Balanced sentences can make statements more persuasive by reinforcing ideas through repetition. The parallel structure creates a sense of authority and conviction, making the message more convincing and impactful.

Contrast and Comparison: Balanced sentences are often used to present contrasting or parallel ideas. This allows for effective comparison, highlighting differences or similarities between elements and enhancing the reader's understanding of the subject.

Elegance and Style: Balanced sentences contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of a piece of writing. Their structured and symmetrical nature can lend an air of sophistication and elegance to the text.

Speech and Oratory: In spoken communication, balanced sentences can aid in the delivery of speeches, sermons, or presentations. The rhythmic flow of balanced sentences can help speakers maintain a steady pace and captivate their audience.

Conciseness: Balanced sentences often distill complex ideas into concise structures. By presenting parallel elements, writers can convey multiple concepts succinctly.

Stress on Key Points: In lists or series, balanced sentences stress each element equally, preventing one from overshadowing the others. This is useful when highlighting a collection of important points.

Cultural and Historical Significance: The use of balanced sentences in famous speeches, literature, and historical documents has contributed to their lasting impact and recognition throughout history.

Overall, balanced sentences play a versatile role in various forms of communication, contributing to the effectiveness, persuasiveness, and aesthetic appeal of the content. Writers and speakers use this literary device intentionally to achieve specific rhetorical and communicative goals.