Final answer:
Lincoln's use of emotional language in his second inaugural address aimed to elicit feelings of unity and collective responsibility during a time of national crisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appeal to pathos in Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address is underscored by his usage of emotive words such as anxiously, impending, and dreaded. These terms were chosen to evoke an emotional response from his audience, aiming to unite them through shared feelings of anticipation and concern over the nation's future.
By communicating the gravity of the situation in such an emotional manner, Lincoln sought to foster a sense of urgency and collective responsibility among his listeners, encouraging them to look beyond their fears and differences toward reconciliation and unity.