Final answer:
The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln utilizes rhetorical devices like parallelism, metaphor, and repetition, including anaphora, to emphasize the significance of the Civil War and unify his audience around the principles of democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rhetorical Devices in the Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is famous for its use of powerful rhetorical devices that contribute to the speech's enduring significance. One notable example is parallelism, demonstrated in the repetition of the phrase "we cannot" which creates a rhythm and emphasizes the limitations faced by the living in honoring the fallen. Additionally, Lincoln uses metaphor, referring to the nation as "a new birth of freedom," which frames the Civil War as not just a struggle but also a transformative event for the United States.
Another device notable in the Address is the use of repetition. Lincoln repeats words like "we" and "here" to unify his audience and highlight the collective effort and sacrifice. Furthermore, the iconic phrase "government of the people, by the people, for the people" employs anaphora, a specific type of repetition, to underscore the democratic principles at stake.