Ethos in Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address?

Question

Basically, just what the question states: What are examples on ethos in Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address?

Thank you. (:

Answer 1

First, a few observations that may clarify the question (in case it was not clear):

The term "ethos" in this context is based on Aristotle's treatise on rhetoric, in which it refers to:

"how the character, knowledge, background and competence of the speaker is perceived by the audience, and how that influences the audience"
http://pithandvinegar.ca/?p=80

Or, more simply, it's about establishing the speaker's CREDIBILITY --
"ethical appeal. . . convincing by the character of the author"
http://courses.durhamtech.edu/perkins/aris.html
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Aristotle goes into more specifics, by identifying THREE aspects of the speaker's character that help to persuade an audience.

Here is a useful outline of those aspects:

a) good sense:
* does the speaker seem to have intelligence, expertise, authoritativeness?
* does he appear to know what he is talking about?

b) good moral character:
* does the speaker seem to have a virtuous character?
*does he appear trustworthy?

c) good will (towards audience):
* do we have the feeling that the speaker cares about us?
* this involves

o empathy (can he see things my way?)
o understanding (does he know about and care about my concerns?)
o responsiveness (is he willing to respond to my needs?)

http://www.molloy.edu/sophia/aristotle/rhetoric/rhetoric2b_nts.htm


That should give you a lot to work with
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BUT, if you need some more specific suggestions, you may consult the following two works, which discuss the rhetoric of the Second Inaugural, including Lincoln's use of ETHOS.

(My own opinion-- one of the most effective uses of ethos here is Lincoln's IDENTIFICATION with the audience. He's not just talking about himself OR them, he is ONE of them, in his humanness - hopes and weaknesses.)


1) Lincoln's Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural
by Ronald C. White
= an EXCELLENT analysis and explanation of the setting (suggest reading the whole when you can, even if not assigned)
The pages that cover what you're looking for begin on p. 84. At least some of that can be viewed online, here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=wtfLtP2LhCcC&pg=PA85&lpg=PA85&dq=lincoln's+second+inaugural+ethos&source=web&ots=qT7D6BYzhZ&sig=W4VYHx9t18xw6sJ76Fg6Ykvn1qA#PPA84,M1

2) Erick Durso , "An analysis of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address"
http://www.helium.com/tm/322064/abraham-lincoln-stepped-podium

This article is more difficult reading, and may not be as helpful, but give it a try.

Answer 2

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