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Language In Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

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Abe Lincoln, in his second inaugural address, uses language with which the audience can connect and relate. Through inclusive pronouns, parallel sentence structure, pathos, and metaphors, Lincoln does not simply list off what the war has entailed or recommend a certain path the people must take. Lincoln instead consoles the nation as if it was a dear old friend whom is in dire need of advice. The first rhetorical strategy Lincoln used was inclusive pronouns such as “we”, “us”, and “all”. Additionally, the president began the address with the inviting words “Fellow Countrymen”. By including such language, the very divided country is unified into one body. This rhetorical strategy also helps the audience to feel as if they know just as much about the future of the country as Lincoln does. As seen in this line, “the progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as …show more content…

In this metaphor, both sides are held accountable for slavery, an action not commonly done. In the line “wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces” Lincoln has two purposes, first and foremost to question the morality of slavery. How can these people calling themselves Christians do this to their “brothers and sisters” in Christ? And secondly, in the scripture line “let us judge not, that we be not judged” Lincoln engages the religious while also indirectly suggesting that the Southerners aren't the only ones responsible for slavery, everyone in this country played a role whether it was Using these various devices gives Lincoln the ability to connect and relate to his wary audience during his second Inaugural Address. The President unifies the crowd and reassures his divisive country that no side is to blame, it is simply an act from God. Lincoln, being president in one of our nation's toughest times, handles the pressure and power with grace and humility as conveyed in this

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