TOW #11 - article: Second Inaugural Address of Abraham Lincoln

           Compared to first, Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address was shorter and simpler to the first. Since Lincoln had already completed his first term in office during the complete duration of the Civil War, his Second Inaugural Address was about reuniting the United States. Lincoln viewed the war as a something the North and the South should get past and create union and peace.

            This address has a very large and general audience, being that he is targeting both the North and South regions of the United States. As an attempt to open the eyes of the general public of America, Lincoln aimed to teach the United States to “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.”. This address, being during the time of the pending conclusion of the Civil War, was aimed towards reparations rather than mistakes of the past.

            A strong strive for unity can be taken out of this speech. The purpose, being to inform the opposing sides of the North and South about the importance of unity and peace, is supported through repetition and diction. Lincoln mentions God many different times throughout the address. By bringing in a spiritual aspect, Lincoln connects the two sides and provides something both the North and the South can claim. Finding things in common with the opposing forces help bring them together. Lincoln’s diction also plays a role in achieving his purpose. He uses words with positive connotations such as “bind up”, “achieve”, “strengthen” and more. These words make the address seem hopeful.

            As the president, it is one’s duty to unify a nation and but the citizens of America before all else. Lincoln’s purpose in addressing his people was to provide means to unify and to bring two sides together to make peace. I think that his purpose was achieved because Lincoln went straight to the point of his address and kept his thoughts concise and upfront.