LITR 4232 American Renaissance 2008
Text-Objective Presentation

Abraham Lincoln:

“A House Divided”, “Gettysburg Address” and the Second Inaugural Address

Objective – To use literature as a basis for discussing representative problems and subjects of American Culture (Historicism), such as equality (race, gender, class), modernization and tradition.

1.)    “A House Divided against itself cannot stand.”

One of the things was, during Lincolns time, no one wanted for the country to be divided, but the signs that it would be temporarily done were actually seen. However, no one wanted to pay attention to them, except some like President Lincoln. These words he spoke, with so much hind sight are still used today to indicate squabbling among allies that should not be there.

2.)    “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.”

Gettysburg was the turning point of the war, where the North begin to start having a bigger effect on the South. These words are some of Lincolns most rememberable, at least with the first part. He found this the ample time to actually read these words, or speak them to stir the nation.

3.)    At this second appearing to take the oath, of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at first.”

Lincoln could say this because by the time he was elected, the war was closing or at an end. He came into presidency with strife and went out as the strife, or war left.

1.)    Why do you think that these are some of Lincoln’s most memorable words?

2.)    Do you think that Lincoln spoke to soon in saying that his second term was not as big of an occasion?

3.)    How do these three speeches reflect the war as it progressed?