Definition of Balanced Sentence
A balanced sentence contains two or more clauses that are of almost the same length, same type and have the same level of significance. It is mostly joined by a conjunction or by punctuation, which creates the writing flow smoothly and without much variation.
Thus, the writers establish a very balanced approach in their writing in terms of the use of sentences. The balanced sentences add the element of fascination and momentous in the writing.
Balanced Sentences in Presidential Addresses
Presidential addresses especially employ the use of balanced sentences to pass message that can be easily understood and remembered. Here are a few notable examples:
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address (1933)
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
This specific line is an example of the balanced sentence structure that is characterized by the same length of clauses and their structure. Thus, the balance emphasizes the plainness of Roosevelt’s message. It conveys the message that the fear itself is the main threat.
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address (1961)
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
This sentence is well structured and both the clauses are almost of equal length and have same structure. Here, the balance generates a strong perlocutionary force that makes the citizens responsible and encourage them to participate in the nation building.
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address (2009)
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”
Obama employs a balanced sentence to distinguish between hope and fear as well as unity and conflict. The balanced structure draws attention to the proper decisions the country has made which strengthens his message of hope and unity.
Examples of Balanced Sentences in Literature
Balanced sentence is a common feature of many works; the author employs it to establish the rhythm of the text, highlight the contrasts, and express quite complex ideas in a very compact way. Here are a few examples from well-known works:
Example#1
“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens
“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 opening line is a series of balanced sentences, presented closely and in pairs, one against another. The repetition of structure gives the introduction a rhythmic and catchy feel which forms the foundation for the novel’s themes of duality and paradox.
Example#2
“Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare
“Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”
To depict the internal struggle of Brutus, the author employs a balanced sentence. The parallelism of the two sentences accentuates the simultaneous love for Caesar and loyalty to Rome, which reveals the complexity in Brutus’s feelings and actions.
Example#3
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
This sentence is balanced as far as the structure is concerned, because the dependent clause reflects the main clause. The balance adds a certain sense of irony into the novel because, through this, Austen is offering a satirical view on marriage and the concepts of having money.
Example#4
“1984” by George Orwell
“War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
The use of oxymoron in Orwell’s statements is also significant, and the balanced structure of these statements shows the duality of the world in “1984.” The balanced structure leads to the creation of more attention-catching and memorable slogans which symbolize manipulation of language and truth by the oppressive regime.
Example#5
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
“Give me that man that is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him in my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart, as I do thee.”
Shakespeare employs a balanced sentence structure to show the high regard Hamlet has for reason and restraint. This is because the construction of the sentence with the two parallel clauses brings out the message that one should not be a slave to passion.
The parity between the clauses emphasizes Hamlet’s respect towards the people who can stay sane and virtuous, which relates to the theme of inner strength.
Example#6
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
This is the last line of the novel and the sentence is balanced as it sums up the novel’s main idea of the futile effort to overcome the effects of time.
This is a powerful structure of the sentence; the two phrases are nearly identical, which reflects the constant struggle between the impulse to advance and the tendency to be dragged back by the past. The balance gives the story a rather sad and philosophical conclusion which underlines the hopelessness and tenacity of people.
Example#7
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
The line is a good example of a balanced sentence. It is ironic and conveys a strong political message. The structure is balanced with the repetition of “animals are equal” and “more equal than others. ”
The balance highlights the contradiction and hypocrisy in the ruling pigs’ proclamation, underscoring the central theme of the novel: It is the degeneration of socialism and the appearance of injustice and despotism. The symmetry of the sentence makes it more easily remembered and influential, thus transmitting Orwell’s view on totalitarian governments.
See also: Literary Devices That Start With B
Function of Balanced Sentences
Balanced sentences serve several important functions in writing:
1- Creating Rhythm and Flow
Balanced sentences produce a pleasant style, which make the text more fanciful and easy to understand. The balanced structure, to some extent, creates a harmonious impression, especially when used in speeches or literature.
2- Emphasizing Contrasts
Organizing ideas in such a manner is effective, since it enables writers to focus on the disparities and make the comparison even more effective. This technique is particularly common in political speeches and written works to stress out the opposite or duality perspectives.
3- Enhancing Persuasiveness
Balanced sentences make an argument stronger since people like to be told things in a simple way, and ideas that are repeated often tend to be more effective. In this case, the balanced structure works in the reinforcement of the message; thereby improving the chances of passing the message across.
4- Conveying Complexity
It is also important to use equal parts of the clause because in this way, it is possible to place two related ideas next to each other and convey the message much faster. It may also benefit the reader, especially in gaining the kind of comprehension that requires engagement with multiple aspects of a matter, in grasping the subtlety of the writer’s stance.
5. Creating Memorable Statements
The rhythmic and balanced form make the sentences significant. That is why they are applied in proverbial sayings, slogans, and in the great works of the literature, which remain memorable.
