Abraham Lincoln's epic speech, "The Gettysburg Address" is a seamless example of how an orator can use literary technique to convey an evocative message. Lincoln appeals to the hearts and emotions of the American audience to convince them to share a common goal. This goal was the preservation of a united country and new birth of freedom. Lincoln supplies supporting evidence for his purpose and backs this evidence using eloquent language, appropriate diction, and parallelism. This style and successful use of literary method creates an almost poetic quality to Lincoln's classic syllogism.
Abraham Lincoln's primary goal in his speech is to try and motivate the audience to dedicate themselves to saving their nation. His support for this argument comes from the nation's history, current conflict, and future destiny. Lincoln refers to the war as a test of the Union's endurance, while the task of preserving it still remains unfinished. Because the nation is dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and is a government of, by and for the people, preserving it is a great and worthy cause. Lincoln uses chronological ordering in his dialogue, which aids to its organization and effective delivery. He starts with the past, when the nation was first created, moves to the present civil war, and ends with what should be accomplished during the war and the questioning of the country's future. This explains and demonstrates the steps needed to achieve the united goal. This method proved to be efficient because it provided a common goal and ground for the divided audience. This unity was achieved by the reflecting on the ideals and accomplishments of the forefathers that they all have in common, reminding the listeners of their unified history. It allows the audience to perceive the war in a larger perspective; not as a fight over slavery, but as a battle that could make or break what past generations had strived for.
