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Analysis of Gettysburg Address

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Rhetoric Essay In Abraham Lincoln’s speech, The Gettysburg Address,he inspires morale and motivation to the Union soldiers through the use of rhetorical devices such as diction, repetition, ethos, and concession. Lincoln in two to three minutes managed to honor those who had fallen, justify the reasons behind the Civil war, establish the principles upon this nation was founded upon, and influenced soldiers to finish what they have started. To bring unity between the North and South and most importantly to abolish the practice of slavery. Lincoln commences his speech by reminding the audience of the founding fathers vision referencing to the Declaration of Independence, “Fourscore and seven years ago”. Lincoln’s choice of diction portrays him as intelligent and knowledgeable, which asserts his ethos,in result an authoritative ambiance. He then goes on to say “our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation”, adopting a less intimidating tone through the use of concession. Aware of the fact that the best way to connect with an audience is to have something in common. “Our fathers”, demonstrates diction being used to establish trust and unity between the audience and Lincoln. He then continues to say “brought forth on this continent a new nation”,which intensifies how this nation was conceived through the use of repetition. “Conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”, Lincoln lays the foundation for his future statement to the Union soldiers that they are fighting for the right side because of the concept that all men are created equal.

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