Rhetorical Devices In Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Rhetorical Analysis of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address Abraham Lincoln served as the president of the United States for the entirety of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. He began his second term on March 4, 1865, nearing the end of the Civil War that had divided the nation. In his second inaugural address, Lincoln discusses the disastrous war and how it has separated the country and encourages peace between the two opposing sides. Lincoln effectively constructs his argument that Americans themselves must collectively work towards peace and restoration of their nation by adopting an ardent diction, an optimistic tone, and references to religious texts. Lincoln’s speech creates passionate diction that reflects the hope he has for

He explains that “both read the same Bible and pray to the same God.” The South and North share the same Christian faith, he says, and that itself is another reason they should stand by one another rather than against each other. Lincoln explains that they have the same religious background and are the same people, meant to be together rather than apart, so that Americans of both sides realize they are not so different after all. Lincoln mentions direct quotes from the Bible, such as “Woe until the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.” He incorporates in his speech excerpts from the Bible that are recognizable to Americans from either side in an effort to join fellow Christians together. He refers to slavery as the offense and says God has caused the war to respond to such an offense. Lincoln appeals to religion and uses God’s will and word to justify the Union’s impending victory of the war and to assert that what is done is God’s desire. He reasons that God is always right and the abolition of slavery is what He wanted, so everyone should accept God’s decision, move on from the war, and establish peace as a whole group of devoted