The syntax found in “The Gettysburg Address” (1863) by Abraham Lincoln is contained within only ten potent sentences providing a rich variety of mostly compound-complex sentences and peppered with simple sentences. By using this syntax structure, he is nebulous to the meaning or interpretation. However, he garnishes it with clauses, phrases, balanced sentences, repetition, rhyme, rhythm, poetry, and paradoxes. Syntax is not only nebulous, but it zealously guards the rules and yet gambles with our interpretation.
He hooks his audience and reels them in with a flashback of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in lines 1-3 (Four score and seven years ago… all men are created equal) to remind them of America’s previously idyllic nature. These lines, as well as lines 14-20 (It is rather for us to be here dedicated…shall not perish from the earth) are the most prominent examples of compound-complex sentences. They have within them all-inclusive words and phrases, as evidenced in line 1 (our fathers brought forth), line 4 (we are engaged in a great civil war), line 6 (we have come to dedicate), line 15 (for us to be here dedicated; the great task remaining before us), and line 17 (we here highly resolve). With this, Abraham Lincoln alludes to the outside events, but brings it home to the crowd. He deals with repetition ubiquitously with words first stated in lines 2-3 (…conceived in liberty and dedicated …show more content…
Therefore, we see that ten sentences with 272 words can make such a powerful impact to those who peruse it, not only in history, but also in our individual lives. That is why the Gettysburg Address redefines syntax in any and every manner
He hooks his audience and reels them in with a flashback of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in lines 1-3 (Four score and seven years ago… all men are created equal) to remind them of America’s previously idyllic nature. These lines, as well as lines 14-20 (It is rather for us to be here dedicated…shall not perish from the earth) are the most prominent examples of compound-complex sentences. They have within them all-inclusive words and phrases, as evidenced in line 1 (our fathers brought forth), line 4 (we are engaged in a great civil war), line 6 (we have come to dedicate), line 15 (for us to be here dedicated; the great task remaining before us), and line 17 (we here highly resolve). With this, Abraham Lincoln alludes to the outside events, but brings it home to the crowd. He deals with repetition ubiquitously with words first stated in lines 2-3 (…conceived in liberty and dedicated …show more content…
Therefore, we see that ten sentences with 272 words can make such a powerful impact to those who peruse it, not only in history, but also in our individual lives. That is why the Gettysburg Address redefines syntax in any and every manner