Analysis Of Abraham Lincoln's The Gettysburg Address

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Today there are countless authors 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 is 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 became one of the most beloved individuals in America and internationally, yet his work, more specifically “The Gettysburg Address” inspired one of the greatest men 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

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