Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address Analysis

A new president or presidential term often centers attention to the issues. Lincoln took advantage of this extra attention to send a message to the earnest American people, especially the individuals involved in war. During Lincoln's second Inaugural Address, he makes his purpose clear to the nation by using deliberate parallelism to appeal to each side, obvious reasoning to the audience's desires to demonstrate his position, and by building his character and trust. Lincoln's notable eagerness can be attributed to how he chooses phrases that provide a way of including everyone with a positive sense of respect. While referring to his last address, he claims "All dreaded it, all sought to avert it," while "it" refers to the war and corruption
that damaged the country's relationships. He specifically selected to use the word "all" in this parallelism which immediately forces the audience members to feel that they are a part of something, rather than two sides. By somewhat forcing this partnership, he reminds the citizens that he is here to lead one nation, and nothing more. The beliefs and feelings of the nation during this time were sensitively manipulated by Lincoln. He understood how they felt and used his own emotions to change theirs. He reminds them who they are, or at least should want to be, as United States citizens. He ends his speech by stating, "With malice toward none, with charity for all, … let us strive on to finish the work we are in." Lincoln makes this claim to prove that America is still based on the same principles of freedom and love as it has always been. His eager tone makes the audience feel somewhat regretful on how they have become, thus emotionally driving their desire to change from the divisions of war. Throughout this address, Lincoln reassures the nation of his position. He clearly explains that he is aware of what his role is and how he expects to use it. The audience knows they can put their trust in him because he says, "At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first." By reminding them that this isn't his first time as President, Lincoln gains the trust of his fellow countrymen. Due to this trust, the entire rest of his speech is taken seriously and believed by the audience. Abraham Lincoln knew he had to persuade a country to desire unity. Through labeling them as one, relating to their viewpoints, and making himself credible, Lincoln created a nation that followed him.