1. What is the author arguing?
This document is Abraham Lincoln’s Inauguration speech. He is addressing the United States for the first time as the leader of this country. Within in the speech he speaks of his intentions on vital topics of the day that may be of concern to civilians. “I do not consider it necessary at present for me to discuss those matters of administration about which there is no special anxiety or excitement.” He is arguing for the importance of the Constitution and his belief that it should be followed.
2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?
Lincoln approaches his speech in a very much assertive yet reassuring way to his countrymen. He is speaking from a place of leadership but respect for the people of the country and the Constitution it was built upon. “I take the official oath to-day with no mental reservations and with no purpose to construe the Constitution or laws by any hypercritical rules..”
He also demonstrates this at the beginning of his speech when addressing the South. “Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a republican administration their property and their peace and personal security are endangered. There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension.” He then goes on to state the quote bolded below that he had stated in a previous speech.
He uses logic with the speech when addressing the Constitution. He cites it as the basis for lawfully making decisions. “All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution..”
While addressing the topic of slavery he is both logical as well as shows respect and uses a great level of ease and comfort (emotional quality) when stating “ I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.” This quote also speaks to his perceived character of honest Abe.
Lincoln’s speech had constant theme of putting the minds of weary countrymen to rest, this is demonstrated when stating that “The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the Government and to collect the duties and imposts..”
When speaking of the issue of civil war Lincoln comes at it once again in a respectful way. Yet ends the quote making the listener feel weary and unsure of how they may feel on the issue. “In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. His speech is full of statements in which the idea is the countrymen rule or makes the decisions and his sole role is to enforce the Constitution. He goes on to finish his statement “You have no oath in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to ‘Preserve, protect, and defend it.”
3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
At this point in history America was on the brink of Civil War. The Republican Party was fresh on the political scene and this left many mostly the South apprehensive. For in the Presidential race the South had not even put Lincoln on their ballot. He won the North therefore overtaking the majority and assuring victory. The issue of Slavery was still on the forefront of everybody’s minds. To whether it would be abolished or continue to spread to new territories or states.
4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?
Lincoln approached his speech in a very diplomatic way, as to not immediately ruffle anyone’s feathers. The whole speech is very democratic. He is sure not to come off as a dictator and states within the speech that decisions concerning the country are in the hands of its people. He comes off as a protector and enforcer of the Constitution. He seems to speak both with logic and concern for his Country men’s opinions and emotions. He went right into the issues that were hot topics of the day and gave assertive responses as to how he planned to address them. So I did find his Inauguration speech both convincing and reassuring.
Lincoln knew how to talk to the citizens of the United States, and he knew how to state his beliefs without stepping on anyone's toes. He addressed the issues at hand and, yes, he did give the citizens a new way to think about the issues at hand. He was a great President and a great listener and made great speeches. His inauguraion speech just proved to many, that he was a man of his word and he spoke the truth and he would try to do anything in his power to help our nation become a better one.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteIt seems clear that Lincoln's goal from the very beginning was to keep the United States intact.
As he says, "Is there such perfect identity of interests among the States to compose a new union as to produce harmony only and prevent renewed secession?"
Not knowing too much about Lincoln's public speaking abilities, the speech itself was tactful in its manner of addressing the American people. He presented the situation in such a way that he could appeared fair in his summation of the situation, but also allow a way to make his own agenda clear.
Lincoln is remembered as own of our greatest presidents for a reason. Not only did he give a good speech; he was a great leader.
Very well written. He did indeed take a diplomatic approach to giving his speech, just by discussing what was on most peoples mind at the time. The Southern states were mainly concerned because as a Republican, Lincoln had the lawful right change how things were done in his country. And in his speech, he stated that he would basically keep the laws already made, kept in effect, and clearly made his point on slavery. That we would basically leave it untouched, and the states that already had it legalized, he would not take that away from them. I think that his purpose of this speech was to ease some of the dying concerns of southern people, but also to "form a perfect Union". He was an excellent leader, one of the best.
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