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he uses is direct and friendly. He addresses to the nation using the first person plural.
Thus, he underlines the fact that all Americans have a common goal and nobody acts
individually, not even the president because they are all united as a community, pursuing
the same dream. The next part of the speech is evidently dedicated to the memory of
those who shed their blood at Gettysburg. It is both a manner of honoring the fighters and
giving recognition for their services, for their sacrifice. Suddenly, the president changes
the pattern. He incorporates in his speech a linker, but not necessarily to contradict his
utterance, but rather to emphasize and to acknowledge the heroism and the sacrifice of
the men fighting on that ground.
Furthermore, to underline the acts of bravery of men, Lincoln makes reference to
the future and to the next generations that will not retain in their memory the words
uttered there, but the magnificent acts of courage and bravery of men, The world will
little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. His discourse is fluent and easy to understand. The listeners and the readers can
notice the subtle turns of perspective as Lincoln focuses on both the heroes of Gettysburg
and on his listeners. This permanent shift between them is an important means of
persuasion, 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
The battle of Gettysburg is regarded as an unfinished task, a task and duty for the living
present there. The presidents words flow naturally and calmly and his message seems to
have been grasped by the audience. Using words such as dedicated and devotion
gives the task an almost spiritual and religious perspective. Hence, the task they were
called upon gains superior moral and ethical value.
The end of the presidents address underlines the inherent values of the American
nation: freedom, democracy and justice. The phrases government of the people, by the
people, for the people became a mark in the history of the American nation, emphasizing
the strength of the American people and their permanent fight against oppression and
tyranny. The final part of Abraham Lincolns address to the nation is a call to arms and to
action in the name of these values that define the United States, its government and
citizens.
All in all, Abraham Lincolns address remains memorable in the history of the
United States and in the history of the world for its intrinsic persuasiveness and
meaningfulness.