Vocabulary & Diction
What does the word “malice” mean in the phrase “with malice toward none”?
Hatred or ill will. Lincoln is advocating for forgiveness and peace.
What rhetorical device is used in the phrase “fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray”?
Parallelism (also alliteration and emotional appeal).
What is one of the main themes of Lincoln’s address?
Healing and reconciliation after the Civil War.
What major event was happening when Lincoln gave this speech?
The Civil War (near its end in March 1865).
Find a quote that shows Lincoln wants peace between the North and South.
With malice toward none; with charity for all…”
What is the meaning of “firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right”?
Stand strong in what we believe is morally right, guided by God.
What rhetorical strategy is used when Lincoln repeats “both” at the beginning of several sentences?
Repetition and parallelism to emphasize shared responsibility.
What message does Lincoln convey about slavery in the address?
Slavery was a central cause of the war, and both North and South were complicit.
What was the purpose of the Second Inaugural Address?
To set the tone for national healing and outline Lincoln’s vision for post-war reconciliation.
Find a quote where Lincoln refers to God or divine will.
The Almighty has His own purposes.”
What is the tone created by Lincoln’s word choice in the final paragraph?
Hopeful, healing, forgiving, and compassionate.
How does Lincoln use parallelism in his address?
He uses repeated grammatical structures for emphasis, e.g., “The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully.”
How does Lincoln express his hopes for healing the nation?
He encourages charity, forgiveness, and working together to bind the nation’s wounds.
Who was Lincoln’s audience, and how might they have responded?
The divided nation (North & South); Northerners may have wanted revenge, but Lincoln asked for unity and peace.
Find a quote that reflects Lincoln’s view on slavery’s role in the war.
“And the war came… until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword…”
Which words does Lincoln use to express forgiveness and unity?
“With malice toward none; with charity for all…”
Identify one example of antithesis and explain its effect.
“With malice toward none; with charity for all.” It highlights contrast between hatred and kindness to promote reconciliation.
How does Lincoln present the idea of divine judgment in the address?
He suggests that the Civil War is divine punishment for the sin of slavery.
How does Lincoln address the issue of slavery in relation to the Civil War?
He acknowledges slavery as the cause and sees the war as God's judgment on the nation.
What line reflects Lincoln’s call for national unity?
“To bind up the nation’s wounds…”
How does Lincoln’s diction reflect his religious references and moral tone?
He uses solemn, biblical language to show moral seriousness and appeal to a shared sense of justice.
What is the purpose of rhetorical questions (if any) in the address?
Lincoln doesn't use direct rhetorical questions, but he uses rhetorical techniques to provoke thought and reflection.
How does the speech balance responsibility between the North and South?
Lincoln avoids blaming just one side and acknowledges both shared guilt and suffering.
Why is the speech considered unique among inaugural addresses?
It focuses more on reflection and morality than political goals or achievements.
Which lines show Lincoln’s tone of humility and moral reflection?
“Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray…” and “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in…”