Rhetorical Essay on Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Introduction

Gettysburg Address that was delivered by President Lincoln. The speech was conveyed at a time of the Civil War mainly in remembrance of the fallen soldiers at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Notably, it got occasioned with solemn moods due to the deaths of the soldiers as well as those who had lost their lives in the past. The situation was further saddened by the awareness of both Lincoln and his audience that the war was still in progress and more soldiers are likely to die in the process. Thus, the audience needed hope at the time to survive the war. The paper focuses on how Lincoln succeeded in reaching out to the audience at this hour of need and the various styles he employed to capture the attention of the audience.

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Through the speech that compromises of some few statements, it is important to note that Lincoln was in a position of striking a chord that would not only resonate with his target audience but would also resonate through time in general. One would even ask themselves on why such short speech was so memorable. It is significant to have the general knowledge of American context by then, it was during this time that American was in the midst of one great bloody civil war, with the general troop by then had defeated Confederate troops four months ago in the battle of Gettysburg which is identified as a moment of war during war. Through the speech, Lincoln played a significant role by having to remind his audience on the general basis in which the country at one point came into presence inequality and liberty. Additionally, Lincoln create a reminder on the audience and signals on the great challenge, realizing that the principle on which the nation was formed are under serious attack.

Tone

Lincoln's tone at the solemn occasion was formal, hortatory and hopeful. Given the fact that he expresses remorse for all the deaths being experienced, he tries to maintain his tone not to dwell so much on the mourning but instead, he takes the chance to encourage his audience. Lincoln urges people to pay tribute to fallen soldiers through pursuing the fight to protect the values for which the soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. For instance, in the conclusion of his speech, his tone is that of hope and optimism where he instills in people that the war should not be portrayed as just leading to loss but it should be considered as a beacon of hope for the future: "that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth" (Lincoln, Boritt & Daugherty, 1).

Ethos

Lincoln successfully managed to employ the ethos in his speech to give the importance and the depth of the speech to the audience. For instances, he addresses the audience and himself that it is instead for them to be committed to the great task before them, that from the fallen soldiers, they must remain devoted to fulfilling the cause they were fighting for. The ethos portrays his ability to speak and deliver the speech as well as showing his empathy and affection to his audience. Moreover, the ethos is seen when he says that it is for "us" the living to allow to the work in progress that was started by other people. It shows that Lincoln includes himself among the people and his dedication to reuniting the union consideration him being the president.

Pathos

The use of pathos has been effectively and successfully implored by President Lincoln. The address brought about emotions like sorrow, remembrance, humility, and rejuvenation among the audience. First of all, the setting helps Lincoln bring the pathos in the speech. Furthermore, the pathos was seen when he said: "But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate -- we cannot consecrate -- we cannot hallow, this ground-- The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract" (Lincoln, Boritt & Daugherty, 1). It evoked feelings in the audience making them want to come out and fight for those who had lost their lives making sacrifices for the whole nation.

Logos

Lincoln successfully utilized logos while delivering his great speech. For instance, in the first paragraph, he reminds the audience of the fact that their forefathers had built a unified and great nation but all that has been lost since the nation is torn by the Civil War. The sentiment makes people think about what may have gone wrong to find themselves in such a situation.

Conclusion

Lincoln tries to take this opportunity to address the war and how it has affected many people. The Gettysburg Address united people who had been affected directly or indirectly by the war. The speech brought hope and optimism to the people in the audience to keep fighting for the values of those who sacrificed their lives on behalf of others. Indeed, the speech became one of the greatest speech of the time as it captured the hearts of many American citizens.

Work Cited

Lincoln, Abraham, Gabor S. Boritt, and James Daugherty. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Albert Whitman & Company, 2013.