The Art of Rhetoric in Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Question 1 • GA-Literature and Composition II (Fakunle)
Read the excerpt from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
Answer
A
acknowledge the limitations of the memorial ceremony.
B
criticize the audience for its disinterest in the war.
C
encourage soldiers to continue the fight for national unity.
D
emphasize the need for improved military strategy.
Explanation
Lincoln says the speakers cannot truly dedicate or consecrate the ground because the soldiers who fought and died there have already done so through their actions. He also suggests that the ceremony’s words will matter less than what the soldiers did. This acknowledges the limits of the memorial ceremony, rather than criticizing the audience or discussing military strategy.
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