The

Gettysburg
Address
Abraham Lincoln’s
 The gettysburg Address
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation,
conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are
engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated,
can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of
that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live.
It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not
dedicate, we can not consecrate - we can not 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.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought
here, have, thus far, so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task
remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which
they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have
died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the
people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
 What is the thesis or the main idea
of the text?
The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous and
beloved speeches in American history. Delivered by President
Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of
the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
the speech is a profound meditation on the meaning of
freedom, equality, and the sacrifices of war.

The Gettysburg Address captures the essence of the American

experiment. Lincoln begins by acknowledging the sacrifices
made by the fallen soldiers, who "gave their last full measure
of devotion" to the cause of preserving the Union. He then
turns to the larger question of what it means to be a nation
founded on the principles of freedom and equality.
 The gettysburg Address
Who is the intended audience? In what
context was the text written?
The Gettysburg Address, was intended for multiple audiences,
the immediate crowd gathered at the Soldiers' National
Cemetery in Gettysburg to honor fallen soldiers, the broader
American populace, and posterity. Its context was deeply
rooted in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal
clash during the American Civil War resulting in immense loss of
life. Lincoln emphasized the nation's commitment to unity,
equality, and democracy, drawing upon the ideals enshrined in
the Declaration of Independence to unite a divided country.
 The gettysburg Address

What is the writer's purpose of the text? What is

the tone (e.g., formal, satirical, humorous), and why
does the author take on that particular tone?
The primary purpose of The Gettysburg Address, delivered by
Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, was to honor
fallen soldiers and emphasize the importance of national unity.
The tone is formal and solemn, reflecting the gravity of the
situation. Lincoln chose this tone to convey a sense of reverence
for the sacrifice of those who perished and to inspire a
collective commitment to preserving the Union.
 The gettysburg Address
What are the main points of the
text? Do you agree or disagree with
the writer's points?
1. Paying tribute to those who gave their lives in a significant civil conflict.
2. Acknowledging the nation's commitment to the belief that everyone is born with equal
rights.
3. Stressing the duty of the living to guarantee that the sacrifices made hold meaning and
purpose.
4. Expressing determination to ensure the continuation of a government "of the people, by
the people, for the people."
I agree on the writer's points because paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in a civil
conflict honors bravery and dedication, acknowledging our nation's foundation in equal rights. It
reinforces our commitment to upholding these rights, emphasizes our responsibility to preserve
their legacy, and expresses determination to maintain a government for the people, by the
people, ensuring citizen rights and voices are respected in a democratic system.
 The gettysburg Address
What does this line mean: "The world will little
note, nor long remember what we say here; while
it can never forget what they did here.
A moving part in which Lincoln compares the immutability of spoken words-
including his own speech--to the everlasting influence of the Gettysburg sacrifices
By saying, "The world will neither note nor long remember what we say here,"
Lincoln recognises that talks are short and suggests that they don't have much of an
impact on the bigger picture. Still, he makes it clear that the world "can never
forget what they did here," emphasising that the brave actions and sacrifices of the
soldiers will always be remembered. He emphasizes the difference between spoken
words, which are temporary, and the everlasting legacy left by the soldiers who
gave their lives for a cause bigger than themselves, making sure that their memory
will live on for generations to come.
 The gettysburg Address
What can you say about or how do you
respond to the text?
Lincoln's speech is purposeful, emphasizing the nation's founding principles of liberty and
equality. Through rhetorical devices like repetition, he underscores the solemnity of the
occasion and the sacrifice of Civil War soldiers. Symbolism, particularly the metaphor of
dedicating a battlefield as a final resting place, emotionally connects the audience to the
soldiers' sacrifice. Lincoln's humility is evident in acknowledging the soldiers' greater
contribution, shifting focus from himself and the audience.
The speech serves not just as a reflection but as a call to action, urging continued
commitment to the soldiers' "unfinished work" for freedom and equality. It promotes
national unity, envisioning a "new birth of freedom" for a reinvigorated America. Religious
undertones, such as a nation "under God," add a spiritual dimension, suggesting divine
support for the soldiers' principles. The address's impact lies in its brevity, succinctly
conveying a profound message that resonates and shape’s national identity. In summary,
Lincoln's speech showcases the enduring power of purposeful rhetoric.
Thank you!
 Types of Allusion
There are different ways to classify the types of allusion, but one common way
is to categorize them based on the source of the reference.

Historical
This is a reference to a person, place,
event, or period in history. For example,
“He met his Waterloo when he failed the
exam” is a historical allusion to the Battle
of Waterloo, where Napoleon was
defeated.
Literary
This is a reference to a work of literature,
such as a book, poem, play, or song. For
example, “She was his Juliet and he was
her Romeo” is a literary allusion to the
characters from Shakespeare’s play Romeo
and Juliet.
 Example 01
She loved playing the VR game that transported her
to Neverland, where she could explore the wonders
of the island and interact with the characters from
the story.

Context
Neverland in Peter Pan can be used as an allusion to a
place or state of mind where one can escape from the
troubles and responsibilities of the real world and
remain young and carefree forever.
 Example 02
She felt like a Moby Dick shopper, chasing after the
elusive item that was always out of stock. She had
been searching for it for months, but every time he
went to the store, he was met with disappointment.

Context
Moby Dick is an allusion to the novel by Herman
Melville, in which Captain Ahab is obsessed with
hunting down a giant white whale named Moby Dick,
who has injured and eluded him for years. Moby Dick
is a symbol of Ahab’s madness, ambition, and fate.
 Example 03
When John returned from his military service, his
parents killed the fatted calf and invited all their
relatives and friends to celebrate.

Context
The allusion of “kill the fatted calf” is based on a
story from the Bible, in the Gospel of Luke, chapter
15, verses 11 to 32. The phrase means to produce a
lavish celebratory feast, often to welcome someone
back from a long absence.
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