• What stylistic devices are used? The first stylistic device that Lincoln used in his speech is anaphora. “…we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot this ground” (Lincoln). We notice the repetition of the phrases “we cannot” in the part of speech that represents anaphora (Brenda). Secondly, Lincoln uses antithesis or the double contrast when he says, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here” (Lincoln). The phrases “remember” and “forget” provides double meanings in a single statement. Thirdly, Lincoln also uses allusion by referencing a verse from the Bible, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten” (Psalm 90: 10). Lincoln states that “Fourscore and seven …show more content…
By employing anaphora, the speaker adds more emphasis on the message that the people gathered at that point were not the important ones instead the dead soldiers were the real heroes. The double contrast in the speech contradicts the set of ideas stating that the world can forget Lincoln’s words but always remember the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers. Ironically, he was wrong because years to come these words will continue to be recognized. Lastly, the allusion adds more emphasis that all men were created equal by referencing from the Bible, a strong belief that the audience held. • How does the speaker achieve rhythm, clarity, and vividness? One device that Lincoln uses to achieve the three is repetition when he says, “…government of the people, by the people, for the people…” (Lincoln). He clarifies that the current government owes to the dead soldiers. There is also the use of alliteration by repeating the consonant “f” when the speaker says the words field, final, for, and fitting within a short succession. The use of anaphora is also a powerful technique that contributes to the rhythm and clarity of speech. • What elements of Lincoln’s speech make it well adapted to an oral