April 23, 2010 Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address In an attempt to garner sympathy and cooperation, for the sake of progress in southern reconstruction, from both sides of the former front, Lincoln first uses passive word choice and language, and then uses biblical allusions to conjure a moralistic tone. Initially, Lincoln's language and word choice do not appear to be antagonizing. Lincoln's statement: “All dreaded it-all sought to avert it,” referring to the “impending civil war,” avoids placing definite blame on the south. By speaking in this manor, Lincoln firmly asserts his belief that the south had no intention of bloodshed, partially relieving the conscience of many southern citizens. However, Lincoln's word choice shifts to a defensive stance. The shift can be seen when Lincoln says, “Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive.” Again, Lincoln casts aside all blame of bloodlust, but he also casts blame away from the union. His mixed language here is meant to invoke a feeling of acceptance in citizens rather than antagonizing them. Before Lincoln begins making allusions, he defends the original intent of the government, “... claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it...” It refers to slavery, and Lincoln's language serves to point out the south's own childishness in a passive, dismissing demeanor. Overall, Lincoln chose his words wisely as not to directly accuse or attack those in the south so that southern citizens would be more likely to cooperate during reconstruction. Next, Lincoln creates a moralistic tone by using biblical allusions to appeal to the sympathies of citizens. Beginning with “Woe unto the world... but woe to that man by whom the offenses cometh,” Lincoln's allusion points to a destined change by great and terrible offenses. Even thought the offenses must come, it is still unfortunate for all involved. This produces a moralistic tone by stating the tragedy of the situation. Then, still alluding to the Bible, “... God wills that is continue... and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword,” Lincoln refers the the injustice of slavery being repaid with the toils of war. This image induces sympathy for the slaves and also brings forth the idea that the south brought the war on itself. And continuing with, “...judgments of the Lord are true and righteous all together... with malice towards none; with charity for all,” Lincoln expresses that the path the country is on is the right one, and then he continues by saying, “let us strive to finish the work we are in.” These references no doubt are meant to hit the deeply religious south with a moral responsibility to help finish the process that has begun. Lincoln's almost passive and dismissive choice of words allows him to act as a harbinger of peace, and his religious allusions produced a moralistic tone, which was designed to motivate the south into cooperation in the direly needed reforms and reconstruction of the south.