Rhetorical Analysis: Tone in the Gettysburg Address

How does Lincoln's use of the phrase "Four score and seven years ago" contribute to the tone of the Gettysburg Address?

• It introduces a casual and informal tone.

• It sets a somber and reflective tone.

• It creates a tone of anger and resentment.

• It establishes a tone of confusion and uncertainty.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the effect of Lincoln's choice to use elevated, archaic diction in the opening line of the Gettysburg Address?

• It makes the speech difficult to understand.

• It reflects the historical significance and reverence for the occasion.

• It diminishes the importance of the Civil War.

• It creates a sense of modernity and progress.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Analyze how Lincoln's use of the word "dedicated" throughout the speech contributes to his overall purpose.

• It emphasizes the temporary nature of the nation's commitment.

• It highlights the nation's lack of resolve.

• It stresses commitment, conviction, and perseverance.

• It suggests a sense of hopelessness and despair.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In what way does Lincoln's transition with the phrase "But, in a larger sense" affect the tone of the speech?

• It shifts the tone from solemn to celebratory.

• It maintains the solemnity while introducing a call to action.

• It changes the tone to one of defeat and resignation.

• It creates a tone of confusion and ambiguity.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Evaluate the purpose of Lincoln's use of the metaphor "our fathers" instead of "founding fathers."

• To create a sense of distance from the audience.

• To foster a sense of shared history and collective responsibility.

• To emphasize the formal nature of the occasion.

• To highlight the failures of the past.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does the metaphor "final resting place" enhance the tone of the Gettysburg Address?

• It trivializes the soldiers' sacrifice.

• It imbues the location with solemnity and reverence.

• It suggests a lack of importance of the cemetery.

• It creates a tone of joy and celebration.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What is the significance of Lincoln's choice to use the metaphor "government of the people… shall not perish from the earth"?

• It suggests that democracy is fragile and temporary.

• It affirms a cyclical relationship between sacrifice and renewal.

• It implies that the government is separate from the people.

• It indicates that the government is in decline.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does Lincoln's use of the phrase "conceived," "tested," and "devotion" contribute to the overall message of the speech?

• It highlights the failures of the nation.

• It suggests a process of renewal and rebirth.

• It diminishes the importance of the Civil War.

• It creates a sense of hopelessness and despair.

What is the effect of Lincoln's deliberate pacing in the opening line of the Gettysburg Address?

• It creates a sense of urgency and haste.

• It mirrors the rhythm of a funeral march, signaling solemnity.

• It confuses the audience with its complexity.

• It diminishes the importance of the occasion.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Analyze how Lincoln's choice of words like "engaged," "endure," and "met" contributes to the tone of the speech.

• It emphasizes conflict and division.

• It tempers the language, emphasizing resolve and unity.

• It creates a tone of anger and resentment.

• It suggests a lack of commitment.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4