Rhetorical+Structure+and+Rhetorical+Shift

 Rhetorical Structure


 * "We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live."

Lincoln was explaining to society how important this landmark was. During the Battle of Gettysburg, there was an estimated 51,112 casualties, 23,049 of them being from the Union. Although the actual death number was much lower, many were killed, wounded, or missing during the battle.


 * "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced."

Because of these large numbers and so much blood that was shed for our country, Lincoln argued and encouraged the citizens of America to stand united, not give up, and finish the task that the soldiers died fighting for. More specifically, force the South to surrender and end the war successfully.


 * "...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from** the earth."

Lincoln's repetitive usage of "the people" indicates priority. Overall, Lincoln's writing structure seems to be very poetic and strong; however, short, sweet, and to the point. Another example of his work which is in a similar writing style is a letter to a woman who lost five of her sons in battle. This letter expresses his concerns and grievances, but is short in length. -

Rhetorical Shift

In the beginning, Lincoln starts his speech as a reflection of historical pastimes, hence "four score and seven years ago". He then transitions into the recent past, mentioning the Battle of Gettysburg. While shortly discussing this, Lincoln seems calm and concerned. However, in the third paragraph, he uses "but" to transition from one distance to another. Lincoln moves to talk about the present and future actions that society should take due to past events. Other than that, there is little shift.