Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis Workshop AP Language and Composition

Some Historical Context The Gettysburg Address is a speech by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and is one of the best-known speeches in United States history. It was delivered by Lincoln during the American Civil War, on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the decisive Battle of Gettysburg.

Background Info… Abraham Lincoln's carefully crafted address, secondary to other presentations that day, came to be regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history. In just over two minutes, Lincoln invoked the principles of human equality espoused by the Declaration of Independence and redefined the Civil War as a struggle not merely for the Union, but as "a new birth of freedom" that would bring true equality to all of its citizens, and that would also create a unified nation in which states' rights were no longer dominant.

Breaking Down Lincoln’s Speech… The speech begins with a reference to time, using the biblical measure “score” (20 years)- thus Lincoln immediately aligns himself with the founding fathers (July 1776). The nation, and the notion of Liberty are being tested during the Civil War. The reference of “fathers” in the first sentence suggests family, claiming that the United States is a family that should not be broken apart. Using ethos, Lincoln creates a framework that aligns himself with the likes of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.

The Speech….. The first paragraph begins with two long sentences and ends on a short, factual statement: “We are met on this great battlefield of war.” The next paragraph includes a transition (to dedicate a portion of that field) and moves into the purpose of the speech: to dedicate the battlefield as a memorial to the fallen soldiers.

The Speech…. In paragraph two, the parallel “we cannot” statements pull attention away from the audience and the speaker (“we” can’t really do anything…the soldiers are already dead). The parallel statements underline the importance of Lincoln’s theme: the great honor and sacrifice of the soldiers who have died fighting for Liberty.

The Speech… The last paragraph is a call for the Union to complete their “unfinished work.” Solders are weary and tired of war, yet must push on to honor the notion of Liberty established by the founding fathers. He states three parallel phrases that are justly famous: “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” In other words, people make up the government, they wield the power, and they act in the people’s interests.

The Speech… He ends on a rousing affirmation of the Union and the work to be done. Lincoln declares that the United States and its system of government “shall not perish from this earth.”

Your Job…. How does Lincoln establish his rhetorical appeals? (logos, ethos, pathos) In addition, take notes that analyze STD’s (Syntax, Tone, Diction).

How does Lincoln establish logos? Premise 1: the United States government was created under the pillar of Liberty. Premise 2: Now we are engaged in a Civil War that is challenging our notion of Liberty. Conclusion: Gettysburg sucked, but we gotta win. Democracy rocks.

How Does Lincoln establish pathos? The emotional appeal to honor the fallen, and never forget the importance of their struggle for freedom and Liberty.

How Does Lincoln establish ethos? Our founding fathers conceived our country based out of Liberty. I’m president now, so I am a decedent of those ideals, the concept of democracy in practice (you all voted for me!)

Setting Up A Thesis: Have you included author, title? Have you addressed the task: “Lincoln's point of view?” Have you specifically mentioned the literary elements you will refer to in your essay?

A Sample… In the “Gettysburg Address,” Lincoln presents a picture of a nation mourning the tremendous loss of lives during the battle of Gettysburg. Through the rhetorical appeals of pathos, logos, and a somber tone, Lincoln makes it clear that the United States must persevere in order to keep Liberty and freedom.

Paragraph Structure Lit Term Example from text Analysis of example

Writing the Body of The Essay What should I include in the body of the analysis essay? Connect each body paragraph to what you’ve outlined specifically in your thesis statement (your rhetorical devices.) After introducing your rhetorical device, provide an example (direct quotation) and then provide a detailed analysis of how it works within the piece. DO NOT SIMPLY SUMMARIZE!

Body Paragraph Formula To Use: “ACE” A: Argument (what point are you trying to make?) Example: Lincoln’s use of a somber tone helps shape the overall pathos of the speech. C: Cite (cite your argument. This is usually a “direct quotation” or a paraphrased example). E: Emphasize (this is your analysis. It should be the longest section of your paragraph because here you are connecting your evidence directly back up to your thesis statement. The more analysis the better!)

An Example… Throughout the passage, Lincoln develops a somber and mournful tone that sets the stage for the severity of the events that happened at Gettysburg. Lincoln establishes such diction through his use of words such as “consecrate” and “hallow ground.” He shifts the tone of the speech with images of rebirth by using figurative language such as “conceive,” and “It is for us, the living” to not only look forward to the future but to remind his audience of the tenants of Liberty, democracy, and other ideals established by the forefathers of the country. In doing so, Lincoln does not dismiss the mournful tone of such an occasion, but is able to transcend the significance of such horrifying events.