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Abraham Lincoln Analysis

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Submitted By Kiwifox3173
Words 832
Pages 4
Rebekah Sanchez
Professor Scales
COM 101
16 November 2015
Abraham Lincoln Analysis Lincoln was a righteous man who was very passionate about his ideals. He was passionate about abolishing slavery. His passion was shown through his words. He was a righteous man, he believed in equality for everyone. Looking back in history, many people refer to Abraham Lincoln as "honest Abe". He was truly one of the greatest leaders this nation had. Part of what made him such an incredible leader was his way of presenting himself. When Lincoln spoke, he always painted a picture with his words. He was a very good story teller. He did not use overly fancy words, he chose his words carefully and made sure that anyone of any education level could understand what he was saying. Another aspect that made Abraham an effective speaker is the length of his speeches. Lincoln did not bore his audience with two hour long speeches; he gave very brief but powerful and effective speeches. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is a very memorable speech. The speech’s opening, “fore score and seven years ago…” is a very poetic and eloquent way to start a speech. It is more interesting way of saying 87 years ago. He strikes a chord with his words when he is talking about those who have passed; by saying they essentially gave their lives so that our nation can live. In this specific speech, he repeats the words “we” which is him showing the nation that we all stand together. His repetition is so subtle that the audience does not realize he is doing it. In the Gettysburg address, Lincoln tells a story that began with the creation of this nation and ended at the division of the nation they had currently found themselves in. Such an incredible speech and it was under 300 words. A brief speech that was so powerful. Lincoln gave speeches that were brief and to the point but despite the length of his speeches the overall emotion and purpose were not lost. Lincoln was motivating with his words. His address is very clear in what he wanted the audience to take away from it, which is support for the government in this difficult time. His final address that he made was different from his previous speeches because this one had a much more serious tone. His previous speeches utilized humor and anecdotes. Though his speech started off on a light note, his speech took a much more serious route as he continued speaking. He was addressing the future of the nation now that slavery had been abolished and the future for all the now free slaves. It was a very controversial speech that ultimately resulted in his death three days later.
What made Abraham Lincoln such a great speaker was how he presented himself. He always chose his words carefully. He used logic to support what he was saying. He also used humor and anecdotes to connect with his audience. He was passionate in his speeches. He also was very aware of his audience. He always had the public’s opinion in mind whenever he made a speech. He also used words like “we” in his speeches to show that everyone is on the same level (himself included) and that everyone stood united.
An example of an anecdote that Lincoln used was the story of the portrait of George Washington that was in the bathroom of London townhouse. “Abraham Lincoln: "Appropriate? George Washington's likeness in a water closet?" Abraham Lincoln: "Yes," said Mr. Allen, "where it will do good service. The world knows nothing will make an Englishman shit quicker than the sight of George Washington." In the movie Lincoln, another character that was an effective speaker was Thaddeus Stevens. He was able to persuade other members on congress to agree with the Emancipation Proclamation. His way of speaking was different from Abraham Lincoln. While Abraham Lincoln liked to use humor and anecdotes, Thaddeus Stevens tone was more angry in what he said and more serious. “Thaddeus Stevens: How can I hold that all men are created equal when here before me stands, stinking, the moral carcass of the gentleman from Ohio? Proof that some men ARE inferior, endowed by their maker with dim wits, impermeable to reason, with cold, pallid slime in their veins instead of hot, red blood! YOU are more reptile than man, George, so low and flat that the foot of man is incapable of crushing you!” Through his words, Abraham Lincoln was able to change the nation. He was able to change the way the public viewed the war, instead of it just being some conflict, he depicted the war a fight for human rights and equality for everyone. In the Gettysburg Address he explains that the United States is about to unfold a new freedom. Through his words and work have Abraham Lincoln was able to unify the nation and at the same time gain freedom for everyone.

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