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Rhetorical Analysis Of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

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In Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address he discusses the topic of civil war and its effects on the United States. Lincoln surprised the audience with the short speech that was given just one month before the end of the Civil War. He offered his vision of the Nation’s future and tried to promote a tone of positivity and optimism. Lincoln utilizes rhetorical tools such as word choice, tone, allusions, and many forms of logos throughout his speech to convey his message of unity throughout his speech. One of the main rhetorical tools Lincoln uses throughout the speech is his word choice and corresponding tone throughout it. This can be seen through his use of words such as “we” or “us” in many different spots throughout his speech. One example that uses both is line 49, where Lincoln says, “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in.” This choice of words allows Lincoln to convey a tone of hopefulness that the states will be unified in the near future. Another message you could determine from Lincoln’s word choice is his purpose or goal of the speech. …show more content…

Considering religion was a very important part of society during the time period Lincoln utilizes that to strengthen his point. He uses his allusions to religion to help convey his message of unity in the manner of being able to find a common ground between the North and South. This is most noticeable when Lincoln says “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God.” This directly says that the two opposing sides are one in the same and that there is no need for turmoil between the two. Another important factor religion plays within Lincoln’s inaugural address is that it allows Lincoln to place blame on any specific side of the war. On lines 45 and 46 Lincoln says, “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." Which shows the audience it’s not up to us, it is up to god, so you can’t blame the North or the

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