Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis Essay

427 Words1 Page

The Gettysburg Address is said to be one of the most influential pieces of literature in history. Written by former President, Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address was made with the intent to uplift Americans and give honor to those who had risked their lives in the Civil War and The Battle of Gettysburg. What makes Lincoln's speech so influential is the use of rhetorical strategies within the writing. Beginning with the biblical allusion in his first paragraph, stating “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation.” This quote alludes to the biblical verse Psalms 90:10. For the Americans familiar with the Bible, this part of speech creates a sense of unity and connection to their country, making …show more content…

He does so by stating “... As a final resting place for those who gave their lives that the nation might live.” This appeals to the audience’s emotions by having them reminisce on the lost soldiers who gave their lives to save the country. Lincoln also utilizes another literary appeal, repetition throughout his speech. Beginning with the word “We;” “We have come to dedicate.” “We are met on a great battlefield.” The second word Lincoln repeats is “dedicate;” “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated.” “Whether the nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated.” By continuously repeating the words “We” and “Dedicated” it allows Lincoln’s point to be made while conveying a sense of unity, and the ideal of democracy; Two characteristics that America is known to stand for and uphold. When approaching the very end of the speech you may notice another appeal to the Bible, tying back to the beginning and first appeal used. Lincoln states, “...Under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This last sentence ties the entire speech together. Circling back to the original biblical reference, while also repeating the word “people” that also conveys that sense of unity and democracy from the previous

Open Document