Abraham Lincoln, the president during the Civil War, commemorates the battlefield to those who gave their lives while also reassuring the nation, in the “Gettysburg Address”(1863). Lincoln supports his speech by using various rhetorical techniques, both allusion and antithesis, through references to the past. His goal is to gain their assurance in the nation, using the lives lost and the nation’s state of war. Lincoln writes in a ceremonious tone for the nation to appeal to their pathos and comfort everyone in a time of need.
One of Lincoln’s most effective methods in commemorating the new national cemetery is his strong appeal of pathos. The phrase “we have come here to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live” (Lincoln) appeals to the heart of the nation. This device moves the audience to appreciate the dedication of the battlefield to become a National Cemetery at Gettysburg. By appealing to the audience's emotions, Lincoln becomes more loved and appreciated by everyone. The choice to use pathos shines brightly over the dark and mournful nation. By allowing the battlefield to be a permanent resting
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Beginning with the phrase “four score and seven years ago…”, Lincoln was referencing the year 1776, which was 87 years prior. By referencing the time that the Declaration of Independence was officiated, he was able to connect the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War with a time of previous anguish throughout the country. By connecting the time of building a foundation to the current time of despair, he can illustrate the purpose of the commemoration to the audience. Using allusion as a tool within the beginning of the speech allows Lincoln to connect with the audience. With a connection to the audience, he is more capable of assuring everyone that the nation will assume a strong foundation once