rhetorical analysis essay gettysburg address

A Summary and Analysis of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Here’s a question for you. Who was the main speaker at the event which became known as the Gettysburg Address? If you answered ‘Abraham Lincoln’, this post is for you. For the facts of what took place on the afternoon of November 19, 1863, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated Confederate forces in the Battle of Gettysburg, have become shrouded in myth. And one of the most famous speeches in all of American history was not exactly a resounding success when it was first spoken.

What was the Gettysburg Address?

The Gettysburg Address is the name given to a short speech (of just 268 words) that the US President Abraham Lincoln delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery (which is now known as Gettysburg National Cemetery) in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on 19 November 1863. At the time, the American Civil War was still raging, and the Battle of Gettysburg had been the bloodiest battle in the war, with an estimated 23,000 casualties.

Gettysburg Address: summary

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

The opening words to the Gettysburg Address are now well-known. President Abraham Lincoln begins by harking back ‘four score and seven years’ – that is, eighty-seven years – to the year 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed and the nation known as the United States was founded.

The Declaration of Independence opens with the words: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’. Lincoln refers to these words in the opening sentence of his declaration.

However, when he uses the words, he is including all Americans – male and female (he uses ‘men’ here, but ‘man’, as the old quip has it, embraces ‘woman’) – including African slaves, whose liberty is at issue in the war. The Union side wanted to abolish slavery and free the slaves, whereas the Confederates, largely in the south of the US, wanted to retain slavery.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. 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. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

Lincoln immediately moves to throw emphasis on the sacrifice made by all of the fallen soldiers who gave their lives at Gettysburg, and at other battles during the Civil War. He reminds his listeners that the United States is still a relatively young country, not even a century old yet.

Will it endure when it is already at war with itself? Can all Americans be convinced that every single one of them, including its current slaves, deserves what the Declaration of Independence calls ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’?

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate – we can not consecrate – we can not hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

Lincoln begins the third and final paragraph of the Gettysburg Address with a slight rhetorical flourish: the so-called rule of three, which entails listing three things in succession. Here, he uses three verbs which are roughly synonymous with each other – ‘dedicate’, ‘consecrate’, ‘hallow’ – in order to drive home the sacrifice the dead soldiers have made. It is not for Lincoln and the survivors to declare this ground hallowed: the soldiers who bled for their cause have done that through the highest sacrifice it is possible to make.

Note that this is the fourth time Lincoln has used the verb ‘dedicate’ in this short speech: ‘and dedicated to the proposition …’; ‘any nation so conceived and so dedicated …’; ‘We have come to dedicate a portion …’; ‘we can not dedicate …’. He will go on to repeat the word twice more before the end of his address.

Repetition is another key rhetorical device used in persuasive writing, and Lincoln’s speech uses a great deal of repetition like this.

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. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – 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 concludes his address by urging his listeners to keep up the fight, so that the men who have died in battles such as the Battle of Gettysburg will not have given their lives in vain to a lost cause. He ends with a now-famous phrase (‘government of the people, by the people, for the people’) which evokes the principle of democracy , whereby nations are governed by elected officials and everyone has a say in who runs the country.

Gettysburg Address: analysis

The mythical aura surrounding the Gettysburg Address, like many iconic moments in American history, tends to obscure some of the more surprising facts from us. For example, on the day Lincoln delivered his famous address, he was not the top billing: the main speaker at Gettysburg on 19 November 1863 was not Abraham Lincoln but Edward Everett .

Everett gave a long – many would say overlong – speech, which lasted two hours . Everett’s speech was packed full of literary and historical allusions which were, one feels, there to remind his listeners how learned Everett was. When he’d finished, his exhausted audience of some 15,000 people waited for their President to address them.

Lincoln’s speech is just 268 words long, because he was intended just to wrap things up with a few concluding remarks. His speech lasted perhaps two minutes, contrasted with Everett’s two hours.

Afterwards, Lincoln remarked that he had ‘failed’ in his duty to deliver a memorable speech, and some contemporary newspaper reports echoed this judgment, with the Chicago Times summarising it as a few ‘silly, flat and dishwatery utterances’ before hinting that Lincoln’s speech was an embarrassment, especially coming from so high an office as the President of the United States.

But in time, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address would come to be regarded as one of the great historic American speeches. This is partly because Lincoln eschewed the high-flown allusions and wordy style of most political orators of the nineteenth century.

Instead, he wanted to address people directly and simply, in plain language that would be immediately accessible and comprehensible to everyone. There is something democratic , in the broadest sense, about Lincoln’s choice of plain-spoken words and to-the-point sentences. He wanted everyone, regardless of their education or intellect, to be able to understand his words.

In writing and delivering a speech using such matter-of-fact language, Lincoln was being authentic and true to his roots. He may have been attempting to remind his listeners that he belonged to the frontier rather than to the East, the world of Washington and New York and Massachusetts.

There are several written versions of the Gettysburg Address in existence. However, the one which is viewed as the most authentic, and the most frequently reproduced, is the one known as the Bliss Copy . It is this version which is found on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. It is named after Colonel Alexander Bliss, the stepson of historian George Bancroft.

Bancroft asked Lincoln for a copy to use as a fundraiser for soldiers, but because Lincoln wrote on both sides of the paper, the speech was illegible and could not be reprinted, so Lincoln made another copy at Bliss’s request. This is the last known copy of the speech which Lincoln himself wrote out, and the only one signed and dated by him, so this is why it is widely regarded as the most authentic.

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The Gettysburg Address

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Analysis of Lincoln’s Use of Rhetorical Strategies in The Gettysburg Address

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In his iconic Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln masterfully employed rhetorical strategies like allusions, repetition, and antithesis to underscore the profound sacrifices made by soldiers in the name of equality, freedom, and national unity. This historic speech has endured as one of the most renowned in American history, not merely recounting suffering but imbuing it with meaning.

In fewer than 300 words, Lincoln paid homage to the Union's fallen heroes while steadfastly upholding the vision of the nation's founders. He rekindled the American people's understanding of their cause, framing the Civil War as the ultimate trial for the North. Through Northern victory, the United States was preserved as a unified nation, and the institution of slavery, which had initially divided the country, was abolished.

Lincoln's persuasive argument reshaped the Civil War's purpose and impact, winning over opponents by recommitting the nation to the principles of equality, freedom, and unity. His words remain relevant today, serving as a timeless reminder of these foundational values. The enduring significance of the Gettysburg Address underscores its enduring importance in American society, where it continues to be celebrated and remembered by countless citizens.

Table of contents

Introduction, gettysburg address rhetorical analysis.

In this essay, we will dissect Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a masterful demonstration of rhetorical strategies. As you journey through this analysis, consider exploring more rhetorical essays on our website, where you can uncover the intricacies of persuasive writing. Join us in delving into rhetorical analysis essay examples to unravel the power of language and persuasion.

Works Cited

• Gallagher, G. W. (2005). The Gettysburg Address: Perspectives on Lincoln’s Greatest Speech. Oxford University Press.
• Guelzo, A. C. (2013). Gettysburg: The Last Invasion. Vintage Books.
• Wills, G. (1992). Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America. Simon & Schuster.
• Boritt, G. S. (Ed.). (2013). The Gettysburg Nobody Knows. Oxford University Press.
• White, R. J. (2002). Lincoln’s Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural. Simon & Schuster.
• McPherson, J. M. (1996). Drawn with the Sword: Reflections on the American Civil War. Oxford University Press.
• Dirck, B. R. (2001). Lincoln and the Constitution. University of Illinois Press.
• Neely Jr, M. E. (1992). The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties. Oxford University Press.
• Oakes, J. (2012). Freedom National: The Destruction of Slavery in the United States, 1861-1865. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Niven, J. (Ed.). (2016). The Gettysburg Address: Perspectives on Lincoln’s Greatest Speech (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Rhetorical Analysis of Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”

            Essays, speeches and advertisements all have one thing in common, and that is rhetorical appeals. There are three proofs of rhetoric which are pathos, ethos, and logos. Pathos appeals to emotion, ethos is the use of character, and logos appeals to reason. The “Gettysburg Address” given by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863, is a prime example of a speech that uses pathos, ethos and logos.

            It is important to understand the rhetorical situation before analyzing the rhetorical appeals. The audience that Abraham Lincoln intended his speech for was the whole nation. The “Gettysburg Address” was a tribute to all the fallen soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. The purpose was not to celebrate a Union victory or criticize the South, but to honor the battle by reminding people that the soldiers fought for freedom and equality. The author of the speech is Abraham Lincoln who was the President of the United States at the time. Although Lincoln’s job was to deliver a few remarks after Edward Everett’s grand speech, he delivered a speech full of rhetoric that will be remembered forever.   

            President Abraham Lincoln does an outstanding job of using pathos in his speech. The setting and the audience were very emotional coming off a battle that left 8,000 men dead. It was very easy for Abraham Lincoln to use pathos in his speech to remember the fallen soldiers, and comfort the audience. He evoked emotions such as sadness, admiration, humbleness, rejuvenation and commemoration. Abraham Lincoln uses many small common words such as the word “we” instead of “I” or “you” to unite the audience. For example, he says: “We are met on a great battle-field”, “We are engaged in a great civil war”, “We have come to dedicate”, “We should do this”. He is extremely effective in appealing to the audience’s emotion by using respectful language such as “nobly,” “devotion,” “hallow,” and “honored”. This honorific language incites powerful emotions by making the audience feel prideful and appreciative of the soldier’s sacrifices.  Lincoln meant his speech to be a smaller part of a bigger picture which was to make the crowd feel obligated to fight for the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers. “But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate- we cannot consecrate- we cannot hallow- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract” (Lincoln). He makes the audience feel compassionate for the people who have witnessed and endured this costly battle. He tells them that they have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their lives for a noble cause, and there is no way a living person can pay that back with just words, and no action. This inspires the audience to honor the sacrifices of the military, and reminds them that they are the true heroes.  Another example when Lincoln makes the audience feel compassionate for the fallen men at Gettysburg is when he says: “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far nobly advanced” (Lincoln). This is also an example of Lincoln making the crowd feel obligated to fight for the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers.  Lincoln knew of the pain and displeasure that the crowd was feeling after such a long and tiring war with so many losses. He mentioned how tough it is to deal with a long war even for a nation that is “conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Lincoln). Lincoln did not mention details of the battle but instead spoke of the “final resting place” that those people came to sanctify. Lincoln did not need to describe the battle to his audience because the people were there and could see all the lives lost. It was a very emotional event and Lincoln did an excellent job using pathos in his speech so he could appeal to the audience’s emotion during this time of grief.  

            Although ethos is not used directly in the speech, it is already implied because the audience respect his authority and trustworthiness because he is the President of the United States. He is a great speaker who is very knowledgeable about what he is speaking about, and he was known for being honest and kind. He uses short sentences and repeatedly uses the word “we” to make the audience feel involved. He spoke as if he was on the same level as the people in the crowd instead of acting superior because he was the President.  He connects with the audience directly when asking them for more commitment to help with the war. What helped spread this message was Lincoln’s reputation of being respectable, honest, and supportive of the soldiers. The beginning of the speech, Lincoln mentions a line from the Declaration of Independence when he says: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedication to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Lincoln). He shows credibility to the audience by stating the proposition made by the Founding Fathers, and he discusses whether the government can maintain this equality. The audience had extreme respect for the Founding Fathers, and Lincoln mentions that what they wanted was equality for all as stated in the Declaration of Independence. This was a radical idea in 1863 because the Constitution said nothing about equality. The Confederates argued that the Constitution didn’t ban slavery, but Lincoln points out that the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, and not the Constitution. Lincoln gains trust from his audience by bringing up the true meaning of a historical event that they trust and believe in.  He also gains the crowd’s trust when he says that these men sacrificed their lives giving every bit of loyalty. “--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain” (Lincoln). He lets the audience know that it is their responsibility to not let them die in vain.  Lincoln appreciates the people in the audience and he encourages them to unite together for the sake of the fallen soldiers: “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” (Lincoln). Lincoln is again putting the pressure on his crowd by saying it is time to step up, and finish what they fought for. Even though Lincoln was the President and there was an established respect for him, the use of common words, and his connection with the crowd really brought out his ethos.

            Abraham Lincoln also uses logos in his speech to appeal to his audience’s sense of reason. He brings up the fact that our founding fathers brought together this nation on unity, and it has been destructed by the Civil War. It was reasonable for Lincoln to give his address on the battlefield of Gettysburg where many lives were lost, and it was reasonable to consecrate the battlefield in honor of those noble and brave men who lost their lives. Lincoln brings up logical points such as freedom and equality are worth fighting for. He reminds his crowd the reason the men were fighting for when he says: “This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that this government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth” (Lincoln). He uses a sense of logic stating that it is possible to have a new birth of freedom as a nation, and to create a long lasting government that is meant to serve the people. He uses the example of a government that is created by the people, for the people, and many would agree that idea makes sense.  He gets the audience to believe that equality and liberty are noble characteristics that others have fought for, and they should continue fighting for them. He also brings up facts stating that they are in the Civil War: “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and dedicated, can long endure” (Lincoln). He brings up the fact that they are in a civil war as evidence that their perseverance is being tested. He wants the audience to believe that they can push through this struggle, and keep the nation united and equal. President Lincoln doesn’t use logos a lot, but he uses it effectively so he can appeal to his crowd’s reason, and motivate them to keep fighting for freedom, and maintain the Union.

            Abraham Lincoln did a phenomenal job of using pathos, ethos, and logos in his “Gettysburg Address”. Even though Lincoln thought that nobody would remember this speech, it still lives on as one of the greatest pieces of rhetoric in American history. It is amazing how the speech was only 272 words and most of them were common small words, yet he was still able to get his point across in such a powerful way. He also managed to effectively use  ethos, pathos, and logos to connect with his audience, and make them believe in his message. What makes it such a great speech is how concise and eloquent he was during this tough time. The speech was only three minutes long, and his job was to add some final remarks to Edward Everett’s two hour speech. However, his speech was so beautiful that Everett wrote him a letter praising him for it, and people started to realize its true significance long after it was said and done. Lincoln did more than just memorialize the soldiers, he transformed the meaning of the Civil War. The Constitution was transformed after this important speech, and the use of rhetorical appeals by Abraham Lincoln has kept the “Gettysburg Address” as one of the greatest speeches in history!

Works Cited

Lincoln, Abraham. “The Gettysburg Address.” 19 Nov. 1863. Abraham Lincoln Online. 29 Jan. 2017 https://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/ .