Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

How does an author use parallelism to create rhythm and flow in a poem?

1. By repeating words and phrases throughout the poem.

2. By using simple language and sentence structure.

3. By focusing on the tone and emotion of the poem.

4. By creating metaphors and allegories to explain an idea.

The correct answer is: By repeating words and phrases throughout the poem.

An author can use parallelism in a poem by repeating words and phrases throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and flow, as the reader's mind becomes accustomed to the pattern and begins to anticipate it. This technique can also add emphasis to certain words or ideas, making them stand out to the reader. Option B is incorrect because while simple language and sentence structure can also contribute to rhythm and flow, it is not necessarily related to parallelism. Option C is incorrect because though tone and emotion can greatly impact the overall feel of the poem, they are not directly related to the use of parallelism. Option D is incorrect because metaphors and allegories may be used to add depth and meaning to a poem, but they do not necessarily create rhythm and flow through parallelism.