Today there are countless authers who attempt to create great literary works, however none come close to Abraham Lincoln and his powerful “The Gettysburg Address”. His 272 word speech is arguably the most-quoted, most-memorized piece of oratory in American history. Lincoln managed to author the greatest work of literature in American Literature by crafting a terse speech with persuasive literary devices, along with a moving and an enduring message. Great literature does not just happen, nor is it great by default by the mere fact that it was authored by a famous individual. No, great literature is timeless and placeless. The themes and the messages conveyed by the story, poem, or speech are important, no matter what era or place the reader …show more content…
The democratic principles outlined in the 272 word speech weaved an inspirational message, that has been applauded by varying audiences across the world. In the 1940s “large numbers of foreign nations first began talking about the speech as setting an ideal for governments to strive toward" (Hudson). The current Constitution of France, that was written in 1958, even established the French Government as a "gouvernement du peuple, par le peuple et pour le peuple"("government of the people, by the people, and for the people"), a literal translation of Lincoln 's words (Andrews). The 16th President of the United States become one of the most beloved individuals in America and internationally, yet his work, more specifically “The Gettysburg Address” inspired one of the greatest man of the Civil Rights period: Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil rights advocates, including King, often cited Lincoln 's address to further their fight for social and political equality (Delbanco). The “I Have Dream” speech is credited to parallel “The Gettysburg Address” in it’s powerful call for an equal and united country. Both speeches had a deep impact on American History, but it was Lincoln 's short and profound address that continues to be the foundation for other works in American
Different types of literature have been part of America since the 1630’s, and the varieties of literature still exist to this day. Frederick Douglass’s work and speeches during his lifetime caught the attention of many people in the United States, including slave owners themselves. Douglass has not only changed American literature, he has also inspired many other writers and speakers to seek freedom of expression for themselves. Even though he had a rough childhood because he was a slave, Douglass found ways to make the most of it. Fortunately, it was because he had a nice and caring owner who taught him to read and write.
Comparing the Gettysburg Address and Ginsberg's America. Many writers have considered the identity of America. Two remarkable writers of two different time periods have shouldered this. They created two important works.
For centuries, it has always been an individual's responsibility to address the aftermath of major events. Thus, on November 19, 1863, in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, Edward Everett stood upon the bloody field in front of representatives from all over the United States, to give the speech that provides this sense of purpose; henceforth, "The Gettysburg Oration" entitled this speech. The Battle of Gettysburg was the largest battle fought in the Civil War. This decisive battle, horrid in its nature, was fought between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. Both sides were not only fighting for their lives, but for their ideas, as well. There are a few people who would look back at this battle as a victory
The Gettysburg Address was not successful when it was first presented to those who attended the dedication for the fallen of the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln surprised all at the event with his speech by its shortness. The address is considered to be the definition on the ideas that the United States was founded upon. Before the Civil War began the United States were seen as only a collection of states. The Gettysburg address was an attempt to unite the nation. Lincoln passed on his belief that the nation must be united and that a “new birth of freedom” would be created, or the nation would “perish from the world” if the Union failed.
One of Lincoln’s most famous quotes is “A House divided against itself cannot stand.” This describes his presidency well- focusing on maintaining the Union. In the beginning, Lincoln tried to stay out of sensitive affairs involving the North and South in an attempt to keep them together, promising the South little interference. Despite this, he played a key role in passing the Thirteenth Amendment, doing whatever it takes to end slavery for good and ending the Civil War.
The speech “Gettysburg address” was written November 19 1863, almost four years after the first shots of the civil war happened in fort sumter . This speech was so impactful and it was only two minutes long. This two minute speech was one of many impactful speeches in history. Abraham Lincoln wrote the speech “ Gettysburg address” . During the civil war a lot of the soldiers had died. Family members were grieving over the loss of loved ones, and friends. Abraham Lincoln made this speech for the people who lost family members or loved ones in the war. This speech honored those who have fallen on the battlefield and remind those why we had a civil war. Abraham Lincoln reminded the soldiers what they were fighting for in the first place , that they can move forward from the loss of soldiers in “ Gettysburg Address “ using repetition and diction .
In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most famous Presidential Speeches of all time: “The Gettysburg Address.” In this address, Lincoln encourages his audience to preserve a united country and push for a new birth of freedom by making connections between the past, present, and future. Lincoln’s first and arguably most famous line, “Four score and seven years ago,” reestablished the Nation’s birthdate from the once recognized signing of the Constitution in 1788 to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. From that moment on this date, July 4, 1776, was officially recognized as the Nation’s date of inception, and allowed his audience to reach back to the days where Union and Confederate
Four and a half months after the Union defeated the Confederacy at the Battle of Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. He gave the Union soldiers a new perspective on the war and a reason to fight in the Civil War. Before the address, the Civil War was based on states’ rights. Lincoln’s speech has the essence of America and the ideals that were instilled in the Declaration of Independence by the Founders. The sixteenth president of the United States was capable of using his speech to turn a war on states’ rights into a war on slavery and upholding the principles that America was founded upon.
Throughout American history, Americans have had many issues, whether it had to do with gaining independence from Britain, or even claiming the rights for African Americans to have equality. With both of these issues came either a significant document by Thomas Jefferson, which is called the Declaration of Independence, or an effective speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, which is called I Have a Dream. Both of these event changers appealed to Americans in a way that had a huge impact on history. The Declaration of Independence gave Americans the freedom to do what they believe. The I Have a Dream speech envisions that later Africans Americans will have equal rights. Therefore, this important document and speech have many similarities and
The "Emancipation Proclamation" speech was actually intended for most of the people that would free the slaves, not to the slaves. According to Rollyson the proclamation was not intended for the slave, blacks, or former slaves. The “Emancipation Proclamation” speech was during the Antislavery Movement or what some people call it the Abolitionist Movement, during the 1960's. The main leaders of the abolitionist movement were Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas. The point of Lincoln writing the speech about emancipating the slaves was to free the slaves and win the civil war. Lincoln had written a speech named "The Emancipation Proclamation". He wrote this speech and signed it in January of 1863, in Washington, D.C. The theme of the speech was to teach everyone that everyone, no matter what race should be treated equally. In the "Emancipation Proclamation" speech, Abraham Lincoln motivates his intended audience during the Antislavery movement by using pathos and rhetorical question.
On July 1st, 1863 Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General George C. Meade transformed Gettysburg, Pennsylvania into a battleground for the Civil War,the battle ended July 3rd, 1863. David Wills was charged by Pennsylvania 's Governor Andrew Curtin to clean up after the battle, part of the battlefield was converted into a gravel site for the soldiers. Later on November 2nd, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln received an invitation from Wills to speak at the dedication ceremony for the soldiers who lost their lives.
At 7:30am, on Wednesday, July 1st, 1863, at the intersection of Knoxlyn Rd and US Rt. 30 Chambersburg Pike, a shot was fired by Lieutenant Marcellus Jones. This shot would not be forgotten, as it was the beginning of what would turn into one of the biggest turning points of the Civil War; The Battle of Gettysburg. This three day streak of combat would later be referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion.” With the outcome being an overall Union victory, the Battle of Gettysburg would mark the point at which the Union would place the Confederacy on the defensive and end General Robert E. Lee’s most ambitious attempt to seize Union territory. The Battle of Gettysburg was so critical, in fact, that it lead to one of the most vital documents written in United States history, the Gettysburg Address. How exactly did this battle guide President Abraham Lincoln to write the Gettysburg Address is a common question among many.
‘’Four score and seven years ago…’’(Lincoln, 1) You’ve probably heard those six words before, right? On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered ‘’The Gettysburg Address’’. Abraham Lincoln’s purpose in ‘’The Gettysburg Address’’ was to persuade listeners to finish what those who fought for died for by treating everyone else equally. ‘’The Gettysburg Address’’ is the most compelling speech due to its use of rhetorical devices.
How can a speech gain complete resonance, or agreement from its audience in a short amount of time? Abraham Lincoln's most famous speech was a great example for gaining the audience's spirits. ''The Gettysburg Address'' was given on November 19, 1863, after the Union won the Battle of Gettysburg. In the speech, Lincoln emphasized the importance and necessity of the Civil War, which was, in his point of view, still worth fighting, despite the horrors of the war. Lincoln did not only argue for his point straightforwardly and list several reasons to support it, but also skillfully apply to audience's rising patriot emotion along with the speech. At the end os the speech, Lincoln successfully gave his audience the passion to keep on fighting the Civil War. By building up his audience's loyal and intensity feelings as well as the speech's climax at the same time, Lincoln's strong argument and expression let people realize and remember what was worth them to fight, the Union. By fully gaining people's minds and attention, Lincoln heartened his audience, touched their deep emotion, and won his audience's resonances with him and his idea that this war is still worth fighting.
On the day of his “I Have a Dream” speech, King stood upon the steps of the Lincoln Memorial located in the heart of our nation’s capital. This location was essential to King’s success because it was a symbol of our nation’s historic efforts to abolish the enslavement of African-Americans; an act which was made possible due to the valiant efforts of Abraham Lincoln. As the preponderance of the speech began, King made reference to the former president in what Peter Paris said was a “Declaration proclaimed to America on behalf of all African people”. King stated, “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice” (I Have a Dream 2). Through these words, he was able to mimic the tone and style of Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address while also evoking remembrance of the nation’s harsh past. The signing of one such bill, the Emancipation Proclamation, was the first time in history that African-Americans were able to progress in the social order. King tied this into his argument by introducing the concept that other laws could be enacted in order to allow the African-American population to continue