Transcript Gettysburg Address

AP Language and Composition
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
 How
does Lincoln establish his
rhetorical appeals? (logos,
ethos, pathos)
 In
addition, take notes that
analyze STD’s (Syntax, Tone,
Diction).
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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.
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The emotional appeal to honor the fallen, and
never forget the importance of their struggle
for freedom and Liberty.
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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!)
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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?
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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.
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Lit Term
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Example from text
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Analysis of example
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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!
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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!)
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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.