1st Paragraph
"at this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office."
What rhetorical strategy is used here?
ETHOS!
Lincoln establishes credibility by referring to his prior inaugural address and the continuity of his presidential office
"..in the city seeking to destroy it without war, seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation."
What rhetorical strategy is used?
ANAPHORA!
The repetition of "seeking" in "seeking to destroy it without war ~ seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation" emphasizes the persistence of insurgent agents in their attempts to undermine the Union.
"The Almighty has His own purposes.'
"Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh."
What rhetorical strategy is used here?
BIBLICAL ALLUSION!
Lincoln quotes the Bible to lend a sense of moral gravity to the conflict and remind his audience of the larger spiritual context.
"Fondly do we hope ~ fervently do we pray."
What rhetorical strategy/strategies are used here?
ANAPHORA!
Lincoln uses anaphora or the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. This device adds rhythm and emphasizes the speaker's hopes and prayers for the nation.
How many times does he invoke prayer?
4 times
How many times does he mention God?
14 times
"what more can be said?"
What rhetorical strategy is used here?
RHETORICAL QUESTION!
Although not explicitly asked, the implied question "what more can be said?" is present, highlighting the constant public focus on the war.
"Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish."
What rhetorical strategy is used here?
PARALLELISM!
(This sentence structure reinforces the opposition between the two sides)
What was the purpose of Lincoln's continuous use of God throughout the 3rd paragraph?
He expresses his own belief that the war was fought for God's purposes; and that both sides used and misused the Bible for their own purposes.
(Answers may vary)
"to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan."
What rhetorical strategy is used here?
PATHOS!
His speech appeals to the audience's emotions by addressing the suffering of soldiers and their families. This emotional appeal generates sympathy and a sense of shared responsibility for the nation's healing.
How many times does he quote Scripture?
4 times
How many words was Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address?
703 words
What tone does Lincoln deliver from the beginning of his address?
Lincoln adopts a solemn, reflective tone, fitting for a speech delivered during a time of crisis.
(Answers may vary)
What was the cause of the Civil War, according to the speaker?
The speaker claimed that the distinctive and strong interests of colored slaves, which the rebels attempted to enhance and extend by trying to break up the Union and distribute its effects through negotiation, were the root cause of the Civil War.
Lincoln uses inclusive terms like "we" and "us" many times throughout the 3rd paragraph. Why does he use inclusive language?
To create a sense of unity and shared responsibility among his audience, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and understanding.
"bind up the nation's wounds" or "mighty scourge of war".
What rhetorical strategy is used here?
METAPHORS!
The speech contains metaphors to convey vivid imagery and to help the audience visualize the consequences of the conflict and the healing process that must follow.
What was going on historically during this address?
Congress was working on a Constitutional amendment to permanently end slavery in the United States.