2.+Author's+Purpose


 * AUTHOR'S PURPOSE **

Lincoln had many purposes for asking to speak at the dedication of the Soldiers Cemetery. He hoped to honor those who had died in the battle of Gettysburg and instill a passion in the hearts of the remaining soldiers. Also, with this speech Lincoln hoped to change the purpose of the Civil War. He wanted the remaining soldiers to "be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought [at Gettysburg] have thus far so nobly advanced." (Lincoln) He not only wanted to gain more support from the men fighting the war. Lincoln also hoped that his speech would inspire the state of Pennsylvania to give the war more political support.
 * Purpose **

Lincoln's address was not only about the war, but also about the freedom and equality that the Union soldiers were fighting for. Lincoln also uses personification when he says "a...nation so conceived in Liberty." This rhetoric device is used to emphasize his main purpose to unite the Union by reminding America that they were founded by the principle of liberty. The drastic idea that America was actually "conceived in liberty," illustrates the importance of that idea. By delivering this speech he made a promise to not only the United States, but to the world too, that the Union would not stop fighting for the preservation of the freedom and unity its country had been built on.

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is known as one of the most important speeches in United States history both for its great impact and because it was a very well-written speech. In his speech, Lincoln includes some literary devices that helped him emphasize his point. One example is Lincoln's personification of the United States government. By saying that "the government... shall not perish," Lincoln gives the government the characteristics of being able to live and die. By giving it these characteristics Lincoln places a great amount of importance on the government. He emphasizes the importance of government in order to inspire the citizens and soldiers to keep fighting for the cause. Another literary device used by Lincoln in his speech is metonymy. He refers to the first citizens and leaders of the country collectively as "fathers." This use of metonymy is a symbol of the fact that the people of the United States are all connected by the ideals of the original citizens as children are connected by a father.
 * Maintain the Union
 * Forge a new path for America
 * Emphasized personal sacrifice (i.e. literally like the soldiers, figuratively by living by foundational American ideals)

The direct audience was the soldiers and officers of the Union army, state and federal officials, and all others gathered at the burial site. Approximately 15,000 people, including the governors of six of the Union states were reported to have attended the ceremony. However, Lincoln's words were taken to heart by people from all walks of life, all over the world. His message of freedom and unity was meant for the citizens of the United States but it has affected people all over the world since its deliverance.
 * Audience **


 * Delivered to about 15,000 people
 * Affected all people of the world