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"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." - Baha'u'llah. Abraham Lincoln, in his Second Inaugural Address, deeply contemplates the profound interconnectedness of humanity, urging a recognition of shared similarities to uncover the root causes of the Civil War. This essay delves into Lincoln's rhetorical strategies, focusing on parallelism, anaphora, appeals to authority, antithesis, and a call for unity as pivotal elements in his pursuit of a healed and united nation.
Lincoln, through strategic use of parallelism, draws attention to the striking similarities between the North and the South, laying bare the foundation of the conflict.
Despite both parties "deprecating" and "dreading" war, the North "accepted" it while the South "made" war. This deliberate linguistic parallelism underscores the shared reluctance and acceptance of war, emphasizing the common ground that existed between the adversaries. Anaphora further amplifies this theme, with Lincoln repeating terms like "both" and "neither," reinforcing the notion that similarities were pervasive on both sides.
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The failure to recognize these shared sentiments becomes a tragic irony, as the bitter feelings they harbor towards war are precisely what perpetuates the conflict.
The friction generated by these comparisons "rends" the nation "by war," as the parties, blinded by their shared aversion to conflict, ironically plunge into the very war they sought to avoid. Lincoln's appeal to authority, invoking God as a unifying force, accentuates the commonality in their spiritual beliefs. The shared faith should have been a catalyst for understanding, yet their failure to acknowledge this common ground becomes a tragic catalyst for division and strife.
Irrespective of their similarities or differences, Lincoln passionately advocates for the unity of the nation as the only means to "heal the nation's wounds." His rhetoric appeals to a shared sense of oneness, transcending geographical and ideological boundaries.
Lincoln's frequent reference to God fosters a feeling of interconnectedness, asserting that everyone, regardless of their allegiance, is equal in the eyes of a higher power.
Utilizing anaphora once more, Lincoln repeats words like "both," "neither," "we," and "all," reinforcing the idea of a singular, undivided nation. Singular pronouns like "I" are sparingly used, emphasizing a collective identity over individual distinctions. Lincoln's emphasis on fairness suggests that neither side held absolute control; therefore, the nation should strive for equality. Positive diction instills hope in the audience, fostering a belief that the nation, once divided, can emerge stronger and more unified.
Regardless of the nation's similarities or differences, Lincoln's resounding message echoes through time: unity is imperative. The Civil War stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of misunderstanding and division. As Aesop wisely said, "United we stand; divided we fall." Lincoln's address serves as a timeless call to action, urging the nation to recognize its shared humanity, overcome differences, and stand united for a better future.
In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address remains a testament to the enduring power of unity. Through rhetorical devices and appeals, Lincoln not only dissected the root causes of the Civil War but also proposed a path towards healing and unity. The call for a united nation, transcending divisions and recognizing shared humanity, reverberates as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of unity in the face of discord.
Unity and Healing: Lincoln's Call for a United Nation. (2016, Jul 25). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/second-inaugural-address-by-abraham-lincoln-essay
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