Rhetorical Devices In Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

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In the, “Second Inaugural Address”, author Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States, asserts that he hopes that the citizens of America will unify which suggests that this will create an end between the North and South disagreement, leading to the end of the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln backs up this claim by the following: first, Lincoln uses repetition to present the topic clearly; next, and finally, he uses God to state how the unification of the nation will occur. Lincoln appears to write in hopes of influencing the states of America in order to show that the states must unify to create an end to the separation of the divided nation. Due to the author’s serious tone, it seems as if he writes for an obedient and large-spread audience. To show, Lincoln’s Inaugural Address has great repetition that is evident throughout the address. A significant use of repetition/anaphora that stands out is towards the middle of the address. “Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained.” Lincoln’s use of the repetition creates significance to the situation occurring, which is that the government claimed to …show more content…
The repetition that Lincoln uses impacts the overall topic and explains each and every problem in an effective manner. The use of God creates hope for the country by establishing the outlooks on the war; also, each territory is relying on God for an end to the war. Using these ideas, it shows how having faith in God, and explain each problem that is occurring in the nation. Lincoln also shows the other contributing factors to the Civil War such as slavery, and other factors. The use of these techniques/effects make the address more dynamic and contribute significantly to the Inaugural
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