Rhetorical Analysis Of The Gettysburg Address

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In “The Gettysburg Address,” Abraham Lincoln reminds the nation of what they are fighting for. A reverent Lincoln commemorates the lives that were lost at the Gettysburg battle while using it as a cue of why the war is taking place. In a speech like no other, given on the site of one of the bloodiest battlefields of the Civil War in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 16th President of the United States reflects the utter freedom and equality the nation was raised upon. This speech is commemorated as one of the greatest speeches in American history because of its impact upon the nation in only a short two minutes of length. With no invitation to the memorable event until the last minute and surrounded by negative energy from the American people, Lincoln was able to enchant the multitude with his words of rhetoric. The Gettysburg Address is the epitome of rhetoric because of the …show more content…

Throughout the speech, Lincoln develops a strong appeal of ethos which makes him credible and trustworthy. Trust is needed for him because of the chaos the country is in; a nation divided because of unspeakable acts of slavery and inequality. As an authority figure and an honorable man, it was not hard for him to persuade the American people. The fact that Lincoln is the President of the “home of the brave” speaks for itself as ethos because of his authority as the leader of the country ("The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics"). The eloquence of the speech’s diction serves as a reminder to the nation that he was a respectable man. Words like “hallow,” “dedicated,” “devotion,” “nobly,” and “honored,” contribute to his overall reverent tone. It is vital that Lincoln proves himself as a reputable man who honors the soldiers who died in order for people to believe what he is saying. His main purpose of

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