Can I get an opinion on the following paragraph I wrote? This is a paragraph analyzing rhetorical strategies in Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Speech.
Lincoln addresses firmly that the sooner the Civil War will come to an end, the sooner Americans can live a brighter future. After telling the audience that God isn't someone to be afraid of, Lincoln brings the audience in the picture by stating that "fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away" (61-63). His use of adhoration implies that it is felicitous to keep hoping and praying to God that the war will end. When Americans coalesce and continue to do so, the massive group effort would pay off and they will get what they want, in which the war would come to an end. Lincoln continues to say that Americans should "strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations" (72-76). Utilizing exuscitatio, Lincoln urges everyone to come together so their future will be a peaceful one. The audience would feel that it is now their job to end the war they started, and that their dearth of togetherness is the reason why the nation is falling apart during this time of war. Although the war cannot immediately end with the snap of his fingers, Lincoln reaches down to his audience and advises them to come together and pray to benefit not only the nation, but to also benefit themselves.
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I know it's a lengthy paragraph, but constructive criticism would be great, particularly with my commentary sentences analyzing the quotes given.
Thank you very much! :D
well, first, God is someone to be afraid of, although loves and thanked too, for pouring his wrath for sinners on His son who died willingly, saving and covereing the sins of anyone who beleives in Him... (this is because Lincoln was a christian..)
other than that, its really good
Overall, your analysis of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Speech is well-written and provides a good understanding of the rhetorical strategies used. Your paragraph effectively explains the main points and highlights key quotes from the speech. Here are some specific comments on your commentary sentences:
1. In the first commentary sentence, you mention Lincoln's use of "adhoration." However, it would be better to use a more commonly understood term like "invocation" or "appeal." This would make the analysis clearer for readers.
2. In the second commentary sentence, you use the term "exuscitatio" to describe Lincoln's strategy. However, this term may not be familiar to many readers. It's best to use a more accessible word like "rallying" or "mobilizing." This would ensure that your analysis is easily understood by a wider audience.
Other than these minor suggestions, your analysis demonstrates a good understanding of the speech's rhetorical strategies. It would be beneficial to further support your points with specific examples from the speech, providing more evidence for your conclusions. Keep up the good work!