Parallelism In Gettysburg Address in Spanish

Introduction

The Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, is one of the most revered speeches in American history. Known for its brevity and powerful impact, Lincoln’s address employs various rhetorical devices to convey his message and unite the nation during a time of great division. One such device prominently used in the Gettysburg Address is parallelism. This article aims to explain the meaning of parallelism in the context of this iconic speech.

Definition of Parallelism

Parallelism in rhetoric

Parallelism, in the context of rhetoric, refers to the use of similar grammatical structures, phrases, or patterns in a series of sentences or clauses. It creates symmetry and balance, enhancing the overall impact and delivering a more memorable message. Parallelism helps to emphasize certain ideas while making the speech more aesthetically pleasing and easier to comprehend.

Parallelism in the Gettysburg Address

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The very first sentence of the Gettysburg Address sets the tone for the entire speech and demonstrates Lincoln’s masterful use of parallelism: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” In this sentence, Lincoln uses parallelism by repeating the phrase “our fathers brought forth” and following it with parallel clauses “a new nation,” “conceived in Liberty,” and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” This repetition of structure and the combination of ideas serves to emphasize the importance of the nation’s founding principles and the significance of the task at hand.

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Another instance of parallelism in the Gettysburg Address can be found in the second paragraph: “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” In this sentence, the parallelism lies in the repetition of the phrase “that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated.” By using parallel construction, Lincoln eloquently emphasizes the gravity of the Civil War and the pivotal moment in which the nation finds itself.

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Perhaps the most famous and powerful example of parallelism in the Gettysburg Address occurs in the final two sentences: “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.” In this sentence, Lincoln uses the parallel structure “that [clause] – that [clause] – and that [clause].” This repetition emphasizes the resolve of the audience and the importance of honoring the soldiers who died in battle. Additionally, the parallel structure in the final clause emphasizes the principle of a government for the people, emphasizing the democratic values the nation was built upon.

Conclusion

Parallelism is a key rhetorical device used by Abraham Lincoln in his iconic Gettysburg Address. By employing repetition and parallel structures, Lincoln skillfully conveyed his message to the nation amidst a turbulent time. Through its use, parallelism emphasized the founding principles, highlighted the significance of the Civil War, and reinforced the resolve and unity necessary for the nation’s future. The power of parallelism in the Gettysburg Address continues to resonate today, reminding us of the skill and mastery of communication possessed by one of America’s greatest leaders.

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