Faye Olsen
Mr. Wallace
AP Language
4/9/25
Rhetorical Analysis of the Gettysburg Address
President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is widely accepted as one of
the most influential and well written speeches in the history of our country.
Abraham Lincoln was a great writer that knew how to use rhetorical
strategies to express exactly what he wanted. In this speech he uses word
choice and diction to help the country understand the significance of the Civil
War. He also uses syntax and sentence structure to convey complex ideas
that were still understandable. His use of rhetorical appeals such as ethos,
logos, and pathos are also very notable. The Gettysburg Address is certainly
a great example of rhetorical strategies.
First off, Lincoln’s diction and word choices tell of his purpose. He uses
formal words and even words that would be considered antiquated today to
describe the impact he believed the Civil War would have on the country. A
notable example of this is when he says, “Four score and seven years ago,”
instead of just saying, 87 years ago. Even in Lincoln’s time using the word
score to describe 20 years would have been formal. His deliberate use of
score and other formal sounding words helps the audience know that Lincoln
took the Civil War seriously. Other examples of diction used in the
Gettysburg Address are words such as, “engaged,” “dedicated,” and
“endure.” These words show Lincoln’s commitment, resilience, and active
involvement in the Civil War. When he uses them together it gives his
speech a tone of resolve and determination. By carefully choosing his words,
President Lincoln emphasizes the importance he places on the Civil War and
ensures that the audience understands that he does not take it lightly.
Similarly, Abraham Lincoln uses his sentence structure and syntax to
highlight his purpose. The president consistently uses complex and lengthy
sentences throughout his message. For example, “we are engaged in a great
civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so
dedicated, can long endure,” are complex sentences that build idea on idea
with several clauses. This style of writing is a nod to the seriousness of his
message. It also underlines the weight Lincoln places on the ideas he is
expressing. The way he uses several clauses to build his ideas also helps
connect several points together. By using complex sentence structures the
president express complex thoughts.
Aside from word choice and sentence structure President Lincoln also
use rhetorical appeals to strengthen his claims. Ethos is very prominent in
his speech because almost everything that Lincoln says adds to his image of
a credible, well intentioned, and educated man. His use of formal words and
complex sentences makes him sound well read. Similarly, when he mentions
historical events and the founding fathers, he helps the audience see him as
a similarly important figure. Finally, when he mentions honoring the soldiers
that died for freedom he is adding to his character and making the audience
see him as man with good intentions. On another note, he uses logical
reasoning to discuss the gravity of the civil war and its significance. Logos
helps Lincolns keep his ideas organized and coherent. He uses pathos to help
his claims by making the audience feel respect for the fallen soldiers. The
sentence, “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final
resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live”
is an example of the emotional appeal used by Lincoln. By discussing
honoring final resting places for soldiers that fought for freedom he evokes
emotions of respect and honor.
Lincoln’s use of rhetorical appeals enhances the strength of his claims
and makes his purpose clearer. By using formal language and complex
sentence structures, Lincoln makes it apparent that the Civil War is not
something he takes lightly. His rhetorical appeals also honor the soldiers that
fought and died at the Battle of Gettysburg, as well as remind his audience
of the principles of freedom and liberty this country was founded on. His
main purpose of inspiring people to preserve the Union and ensuring that
democracy could still flourish in the country even through the civil war, was
aided by President Lincolns use of rhetoric.