Parallelism In The Gettysburg Address in Spanish

The Meaning of Parallelism in The Gettysburg Address

Introduction

The Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. It is revered not only for its brevity but also for its skilled use of rhetorical devices, particularly parallelism. Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is the repetition of grammatical structures to create balance and rhythm in a piece of writing. In the context of The Gettysburg Address, parallelism plays a significant role in emphasizing the speech’s central themes and conveying its profound meaning.

Parallelism in the Opening Sentence

Lincoln’s speech begins with the famous phrase, “Four score and seven years ago.” This initial parallelism using the phrase “four score and seven” serves two purposes. Firstly, it creates a rhythmic pattern, capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the speech. Secondly, it establishes a parallelism of time by referring to “four score” (meaning eighty) and “seven years,” which collectively add up to the exact duration of eighty-seven years. This parallel structure emphasizes the historical significance of the occasion and aligns with Lincoln’s goal of honoring both the past and present.

Parallelism in the Repetition of “We”

Throughout The Gettysburg Address, Lincoln repeatedly uses the pronoun “we” to parallelize and unite the American people. For example, he states, “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field…” and continues with similar constructions throughout the speech. This repetitive use of “we” reinforces the idea that the battle fought at Gettysburg was a shared experience and that the dedication being made is a collective effort. Moreover, it highlights the idea of unity, emphasizing that the nation is not divided but rather unified in their purpose to honor the fallen soldiers.

Parallelism in the Triadic Structure

Another notable use of parallelism within The Gettysburg Address is the triadic structure employed by Lincoln. He states, “We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.” This triad, consisting of three parallel phrases, creates a powerful and memorable effect. It emphasizes the repeated negation, emphasizing the limitations of their actions in comparison to the magnitude of the sacrifice made by the soldiers. The triadic structure also serves to reinforce the speaker’s message by adding rhetorical force to his argument.

Parallelism in the Call to Action

In the final portion of his speech, Lincoln employs parallelism extensively to evoke a sense of duty and inspire action. He implores the audience to ensure “that these dead shall not have died in vain” and concludes with the phrase “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This parallel structure, where each phrase begins with “of the people” and ends with “the earth,” emphasizes the importance of preserving the principles upon which the nation was founded. By repeating this structure, Lincoln impels his audience to take responsibility for protecting the principles of democracy and ensuring that the sacrifices made by the soldiers were not in vain.

Conclusion

Parallelism is a powerful rhetorical device, and its skillful use in The Gettysburg Address contributes greatly to the speech’s enduring significance. Through parallel structure, Lincoln emphasizes key ideas, unifies the American people, and inspires action. The repetition and balance created through parallelism serve to heighten the impact of his words, accentuating the solemnity and importance of the occasion. As we continue to reflect on The Gettysburg Address, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the role of parallelism in conveying its profound meaning.

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