1. What is the author arguing?
In this address Abraham Lincoln is calling upon the nation to put the reasoning of the war behind them, help finish the war, and repair the country.
2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?
There are multiple lines that appeal to logos in an interesting way. Normally logic is put forth using data, or information to prove a point. In this however, Abraham Lincoln uses common sense as his form of logic. The line "Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away" appeals strictly to the idea that the war needs to stop causing so much suffering, because logically, killing is not good for anyone. Again by saying "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in" Abraham is appealing to the common sense that sits within us all, to resolve conflict and get on with our lives as they once were.
Pathos is very important in this address as Abraham is putting forth almost a call to arms. "Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other" by putting this in the address Lincoln is pointing out how similar both parties involved in war are. By doing so he also brings up the very real situation of a family split down the middle fighting eachother.
"It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces" when Lincoln says this, he makes it very clear that he is speaking to a anti-slavery crowd. This is obvious since they are at war and the South split from the U.S, but nonetheless it is very clear the ideals of the crowd. He also makes many religious references which correspond with the importance of religion, specifically different permutations of Christianity.
3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
Soon after this address was given the last shots of the Civil War were fired. This address could of easily sparked an effort to deal the finishing blows to the South.
4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?
I found his argument inspiring, I personally am one to agree with the logic of the speech. I agree that fighting, no matter the cause, should be ended as quickly as possible. I would of also been affected by the Pathos he presents, as the image of families pitted against each other is sickening. He also has very good word choice in putting an emphasis on the suffering war causes, and how senseless this one is. I am only slightly affected by his ethos as I am not very religious, but I for sure would of been amongst the anti-slavery crowd.
Good job analyzing the document Axel. Although it is much shorter than Lincoln's first inaugural speech, it still demonstrates his intent to restore the country to its original grandeur. You made a interesting observation about Lincoln's logic in this speech. Four years earlier in his first message to the Union, he utilized political logic by quoting various lines of the Constitution, attempting not only to show that he was bi-partisan, but also that seceding would violate the basic principles the nation was founded on. In this address, Lincoln used a more informal approach to logic with common sense, a form everyone could understand.
ReplyDeleteLincoln emotionally appealed to the citizens of the Union in a couple of his statements, including the quotation you inserted, "With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in." Besides articulating that everyone possesses common sense, he is also stating that the needless bloodshed of neighbors had to cease.
Acknowledging that neither side "expected for the war the magnitude or the duration" it had escalated to, and that "each looked for an easier triumph", Lincoln reminded the whole country that regardless of the region, the inhabitants were all still one nation united under God. Through his simple, "no-nonsense" approach to the war and his genuine desire to reunite the country, Lincoln was able (through this speech and his negotiations a month later) to encourage the people to finally end the war.
Lincoln used a lot of ethos throughout the address. He referenced the Bible multiple times, “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God…”. He is pointing out that both sides have a lot in common and they are both very passionate about their reason for war. But he goes on to explain that the war should be stopped simply because its gone on for too long and the Union needs to be pieced back together. I completely agree with the pathos, ethos and logos mentioned. But to add onto logos Abraham says, “…and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword…” which is a basic cause and effect. Those who were once whipped as a slave are avenging themselves with a “sword” in the war, fighting for freedom.
ReplyDeleteI would like to believe that this address was the reason the war ceased but I don’t think something this small could have resolved a big issue that caused a war. I do believe however that it affected the status of the war as in adding another thing on to ending it. It was one of the many things added together with other attempts to end the war that ceased it.
I found Lincoln’s argument enlightening. Most people viewed the other side as the evil enemy, one who wanted to ruin slavery or one who was abusing humans. But he kind of brought the two opposing sides together and pointed out that they had similarities. They all had families; they all were human beings, put out into the battle field to die and they all passionately believed and prayed for what they were fighting for. Lincoln did a good job of tying the sides together to try and make them realize the war should stop.
As Monique said, you did a great job summarizing Axel. I agree with the both of you, the logic Lincoln chose to use was common sense. I found that he linked the legalities of slavery to the cause of the war in order for him to show his opinion and that even though he tries to remain bi-partisan throughout his speech, he ended up showing his opinion. He says, “To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it” in this part of the speech I believe he is trying to say that the south brought the war upon themselves. He also linked his common sense arguments to religion, “with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in,” he was able to use common sense to show the senselessness of the war.
ReplyDeleteJennalee you made a very good point, I found that interesting as well that this speech allowed me to better see the shoe on the other foot even though I disagree with that side. He does do an amazing job in bringing both sides together. As Lincoln said, both sides pray to the same god, live on the same land, both have families, and had lost a lot of loved ones and it was time for the fighting to stop. There was no better way he could have put it.
Axel, you have done a great job in analyzing this document. In comparison, it is much shorter than the First Inaugural address but it still shows the passion that Lincoln shows in trying to keep the nation united. As you said, he is wants the nation to put the reasoning of the war behind them, help finish war, and repair the country. I found Lincoln’s argument precise because it came as the civil war was coming to an end and the nation was fractured. Lincoln, states that the blame of this lays on both sides and so the solution.
ReplyDelete“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” I believe that this statement said it all. Lincoln felt that it was important to forgive and care for our soldiers, the widows and children. Soon after this speech and negotiation, Lincoln was able to convince the people to end the war.