The Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis
In Abraham Lincoln’s speech “The Gettysburg Address”, he explains why the great civil war was fought and keeps on urging the public to continue fighting. His argument developed through rhetorical devices of juxtaposition, repetition, and diction. His purpose in speaking is to encourage the American population to go on battle in order to unite the nation and keep their pride. His primary audience is the American public, especially those with the capability to fight. First of all, Lincoln starts his speech talking about what happened during the past with strong diction. He talks about the basis on which the country was found-liberty and equality. For example, he used “Fourscore and seven years ago” instead of 87 years ago. The former phrase
sounds more poetic and elegant that “87years ago”, which sounds awkward. Next, Lincoln goes on taking about what is happening now. He uses juxtaposition, or contrast, to backup his claim that we are under attack and how we must fight. He uses contrast effectively by stating “those who here gave their lives that the nation might live”, which is a sharp contrast between life and death. Meanwhile, Lincoln reminds the people to mourn for those who have given their life for the country. He uses repetition in triples by stressing “we cannot dedicate-we cannot consecrate-we cannot hallow” to make it more memorable and powerful to the listeners. Finally, Lincoln ends his speech calling the public to action. He uses the strong juxtaposition between life and death again for two times. Furthermore, Lincoln adds repetition in the last sentence of the speech: “and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This powerful ending definitely reaches its full purpose by motivating the public to continue fighting. Overall, strong word choice, sharp contrast and memorable repetition makes Lincoln’s speech extremely persuasive, motivating, and alarming. That is why “The Gettysburg Address” is regarded as the most famous speech in American History, even though it has merely 272 words.
sounds more poetic and elegant that “87years ago”, which sounds awkward. Next, Lincoln goes on taking about what is happening now. He uses juxtaposition, or contrast, to backup his claim that we are under attack and how we must fight. He uses contrast effectively by stating “those who here gave their lives that the nation might live”, which is a sharp contrast between life and death. Meanwhile, Lincoln reminds the people to mourn for those who have given their life for the country. He uses repetition in triples by stressing “we cannot dedicate-we cannot consecrate-we cannot hallow” to make it more memorable and powerful to the listeners. Finally, Lincoln ends his speech calling the public to action. He uses the strong juxtaposition between life and death again for two times. Furthermore, Lincoln adds repetition in the last sentence of the speech: “and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This powerful ending definitely reaches its full purpose by motivating the public to continue fighting. Overall, strong word choice, sharp contrast and memorable repetition makes Lincoln’s speech extremely persuasive, motivating, and alarming. That is why “The Gettysburg Address” is regarded as the most famous speech in American History, even though it has merely 272 words.