Question

Read this sentence from Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address:

Fondly do we hope - fervently do we pray - that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away.

Which of the following correctly describes the effect of the word scourge? (4 points)

Answer 1

The word 'scourge' in Lincoln's address poignantly depicts the Civil War as a cause of great suffering, underscoring the nation's eagerness for its resolution and healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word scourge in Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address describes the Civil War as a painful and destructive force. The term scourge is traditionally used to mean a whip or lash, but over time it has come to denote something that causes great suffering or devastation — like a plague or a natural disaster. In the context of Lincoln's address, it signifies the severe affliction war has on a nation and its people. By calling the war a mighty scourge, Lincoln conveys the intense desire for the war to end and underscores the profound suffering the nation has endured. The effect of this word in the address is to reflect how deeply the war has impacted the United States and to express a fervent hope that the conflict will soon be resolved and the nation healed.

Answer 2

War defines the word scourge. Scourge, as explained by the dictionary, is a verb that depicts punishment. In Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address, he has hopes of ending the punishment of war to ease away rapidly. I hope this helps.