2. Whitman portrays Lincoln's fondness of the theatre through a metaphor and utilizes his perception of it as a way to illustrate Lincoln's ability to serve as both a leader, but also embody a role as a "People's President". Whitman states, "I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws..." (5-9). Whitman describes the irony in Lincoln's deep interest of the theatre by explaining his own surprise that Lincoln, "...the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's state", would take teh time to immerse himself in such a commonplace activity. By portraying Lincoln's interest of the theatre in this sense, Whitman implies Lincoln's ability to relate to the people, despite his own "role" in some of the most controversial issues of the time, such as slavery. Whitman chooses to illustrate Lincoln's love for the theatre in this way, in order to admire and praise Lincoln's time in presidency.
3. Whitman speaks grandly of Lincoln's significance for a greater number than just the citizens of the United States to illustrate to the reader that the death of such a national hero as Abraham Lincoln, stands for more than just the loss of a icon, but that great loss in general stands for entire nationalities. Whitman states, "Strange (is it not?) that battles, martyrs, agonies, blood, even assasination, should so condense--perhaps only really lastingly condense--a Nationality" (17). Whitman attempts to explain that all nationalities experience great loss, which invariably molds their cultures, "I repeat it--the grand deaths of a race--the dramatic deaths of every nationality--are its most important inheritance-value--in some respects, beyond its literature and art" (18). Whitman states that what all people have in common is the experience of great loss that molds their nationalities.
2) Whitman uses the love of the theater to and theater itself as a symbol for America. In this case, Lincoln is an actor in the theater of war and politics. The observation is used to emphasize Lincoln's greater role in leading America.
3) All of the "famous Grecian masters" he mentions were great men with tragic endings. By mentioning them, he is associating Lincoln with them.
Lincoln:
1)He states that while god does not support one side or another in the Civil War, he disapproves of the offence of American slavery. Biblical references are powerful persuasive techniques because most of the audience is familiar with it and it represents their ethos.
Lincoln uses both direct quotations and biblical allusions from the Bible in order to cite a higher, religious authority. He develops his argument using them as an appeal to ethos. Moreover, by implementing biblical allusions, Lincoln encourages the people to imitate God’s ways. He also equalizes the two sides (North and South) in America during the Civil War by stating that they “both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God” (538). Lincoln never directly blames one side for the cause of the war; instead, he encourages them to end in peace.
Lincoln sets up his Second Inaugural Address by referring back to his First Inaugural Address four years ago. Reading the First Inaugural Address, Lincoln’s original goals are clarified. While the first speech was about the “impending civil war”, the second address is about a possible ending to the civil war.
i have no idea on the theater question...
Walt Whitman recognizes Lincoln as a national hero, and he compares his death (or tragedy) to those of the Greeks. Lincoln's death is not ordinary, for it represents the country. Whitman also compliments Lincoln by saying that he is a "thrice dear to Nationality- to the whole human race-precious to Democracy..."
Lincoln: Questions 1 and 2 1. Lincoln's choice to incorporate Biblical references in his Second Inaugural Address an attempt to persuade the reader with morality and ethos. Lincoln declares, "It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged" (3). Lincoln alludes to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and to God's curse on Adam, in order to support his argument that slavery should be outlawed in the south. Lincoln states, "...woe unto that man by whom the offense cometh!", to convey his point that those who participate in enforcing and promoting slavery, are to meet God's judgement for their cruel and evil acts of bondage. Biblical references are important as a persuasive technique because they use ethos to persuade the reader into thinking that slavery is not just unjust, but immoral, and to instill a fear of the judgement of God into the reader by alluding to certain scenarios in the Bible where God punishes those "...whom the offense cometh!".
2. In both paragraphs one and two, Lincoln refers back to his First Inaugural Address, and parallels it to the current situation in which the Second Inaugural Address takes place. Lincoln posits, "One the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war" (2). Lincoln illustrates the passage of time from the anxiety and expectation of an "impending civil war", to a more tranquil and peaceful time. He refers back to the fears of four years ago, in order to illustrate the advancement of the Union, and its current modified state, post war. The Second Inaugural Address clarifies and verifies the fear of a civil war. Lincoln plaining declares, "And the war came" (2). Lincoln's reminiscence of the turbulent time prior to the civil war, and the current improvement made in regard to slavery post the civil war, illustrates a passage of time, and the evolution of a more moral people, and their advancement from one period of time, to one of a more hopeful time.
2. Whitman uses the theater as a springboard to demonstrate how Lincoln was, like Chloe said, a true American People's President. He is a man that has worked all his life from relative obscurity in a small town in Illinois to arguably the most notorious President in the history of one of the most prosperous countries in the world. He attempts to demonstrate that through his love of theater productions, he was just like the other middle class Americans that he was representing, and that he truly was the People's President.
3. These people share one thing in common: their untimely death. He writes, "How quickly that quaint tall form would have enter'd into the region where men vitalize gods, and gods divinify men!" (497). Ultiamtely he is posthumoussly immortalized through his death, as Whitman puts it. This ultimately leads to his international fame as the ideal American President.
1. He uses these references as portraying both the North and South as equal peoples. For example, he says, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other" (538). He uses this to demonstrate that all American share this common faith in God, regardless of the other's view on slavery or abolition. Biblical references are important as a persuasive technique because it demonstrates the strong religious authority that God has, not just the speaker.
2. I agree with Cynthia's comment for the second question. The first speech was written as the Civil War was breaking out, and in this speech, the end of slavery is clear. It ultimately helps clarify the impending slavery question and the end of the Civil War
2. Whitman's observation of Lincoln's fondness for theater-going serves first to illustrate an irony which Whitman finds humorous and interesting, and then to lend human aspects to a man whose wisdom, demeanor, and physical stature were anything but. Whitman remarks upon Lincoln's apparent fascination with the "silly little gestures" of the theater's acting troupe, suggesting that it's ironic that the President, arguably the most powerful man in the world, and especially one so embroiled in an epic drama of national consequence should be even the least bit interested in the pallid imitations of drama which the acting troupe sets before him. That Lincoln should care about these artificial events, when his own brain is perhaps pounding with the magnitude of his own situation and the hugeness of his responsibility, is astounding to Whitman, and rightfully so. Whitman also communicates Lincoln's interest in theatre as a sort of "celebrities are just like us" feature which demonstrates Lincoln's humanity, a hard-to-find aspect in a dour and grim man who towers above others and whose job is to command the fate of an entire nation.
3. Whitman argues that "the dramatic deaths of every nationality...are its most important iheritance-value" and suggests that Lincoln's death transcends not only American experiences but enters into the international sphere because each nation can relate to the grandness of a martyr or an assassinated leader, whose ideas filtered down into subsequent generations and crystallized into the fully-realized nations which we can appreciate today. Lincoln's death, therefore, is a tragedy which has effect outside of the United States, granting his death and his life more-than-national significance. In a more literal interpretation, his success in emancipating the American slaves had an effect on other nations, namely Africa.
1. Lincoln points out the irony of the United States' religious unity despite its political separation in the paragraph three, where he states that "[both] read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other". Lincoln's words here conjure the ghost of humanity in the Confederates by reminding the Unionists who he is addressing that the Confederates worship the same God and share the same religious beliefs and values as they themselves do. He then alludes to Jesus' statement in the Sermon on the Mount concerning sweaty face-bread to criticize the invocation of divine military aid against one's own fellows, which the Confederates remain to some degree Lincoln knew that his audience were a highly religious crowd, and that they would all be familiar with the Bible and its stories and would be able to appreciate allusions to it and what those allusions entailed. More importantly, however, any invocation of the Bible in front of a crowd of highly religious people lends the speaker a windfall of ethos, making the Bible a very powerful persuasive tool in some situations. However, this usefulness has waned in the United States in the more secular modern era.
2. In paragraphs 1-2, Lincoln references his first inaugural address and the situation surrounding it. He comments that he has no need to state his position in this second of inaugexplained it in past speeches, including the first inaugural address. He also alludes to the anxiety and fear which was present when he made his first inaugural address, the anxiety and fear that a civil war would commence. Lincoln's first inaugural address suggested a tone of pacifism, expressing to the seceded states a hope that they might be able to recoural addresses because he has thoroughly ncile their differences, and yet it included a warning that he would defend his nation if it came to war. Clearly, it did come to war and Lincoln blames the South for starting the war in hopes of destroying the nation, and commends the North for participating in the war in hopes that the nation might be saved. Though this doesn't really make sense, it is a pretty nice bit of rhetoric.
2) Whitman's observation of Lincoln's fondness for theater serves as a purpose to show readers how the President is just like the ordinary middle-class citizen. It is publicized everywhere that the "President and his Lady will be at the Theatre this evening" (494) because usually powerful politicians like Lincoln aren't known for doing these very common conducts such as seeing a play. Furthermore, it serves as irony. "[Lincoln] in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jakstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). Whitman thinks it is funny how someone like the President who has to deal with national conflicts (this being the "history's stage" Whitman refers to) has the time and the interest in these artificial events.
3) I agree with Arun's answer to this question. Untimely death seems to be the one thing that all these people have in common. The sudden death leads to shock and horror which is given more attention than a timely death. Whitman further argues his point by asserting that Lincoln is more fateful and heroic than some of the most prominent key figures in history such as Eschylus and Ulysses. In addition, his achievements such as the victory of the Civil War is an obvious trait that makes Lincoln significant simply because his influence changed the course of history completely.
1) In Lincoln's speech he includes allusions and direct quotations from the Bible to connect with the audience. Religion is a persuasive technique because most people at the time were religious and Christian. Also, he uses the rhetorical strategy of ethos to reach a moralistic appeal. In addition, Lincoln tries to persuade his audience that the blacks are just like whites. "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other" (538). He uses religion as a unifying force to show that blacks and whites are no different from each other.
2) In the first couple paragraphs Lincoln refers back to his first inaugural speech in order to set the stage for his present speech. His reminescense of the first inaugural speech reminds him of his original goals, more specifically to set forth the Civil War, though he may not wish to. In the second inaugural speech, he is concerned with ending the Civil War. In conclusion, he wants to address the slavery situation and end it as well.
W2) Walter Whitman uses Lincoln's fondnes for theater to show how alike Lincoln was to actors. He claims that Lincoln was "in some respects the leading actor" in current U.S. history. Whitman then states that Lincoln seems to be very interested in the "human jackstraws." I suppose because Whitman is comparing the actors to a children's game, Whitman is comparing Lincoln's "acting" to that of children. Basically, he is saying that compared to everyone else, Lincoln is an adult who is merely indulging the children.
W3) Whitman says that because Lincoln died, his last cause will stick more than if he had not been murdered. But shooting Lincoln, Booth has made the world take notice and remember. He had made Lincoln and his cause significant. Now the world is involved as Lincoln's death was so famous. Whitman claims that Lincoln's assassination is so monumental that when one thinks of the 19th century, they will automatically think of Lincoln. Therefore, Lincoln's death has world-wide significance.
L1) Lincoln quotes the Bible to give his own ideas more credence. It also makes him seem part of the community, like a priest or pastor would be. By using the Bible, he also establishes to the doubters that whatever he does, he does with God on his side, almost as though God told him to. Lincoln also talks about how it's God's will; therefore, people should listen to him because God made it possible for him to become president (sort of like the Divine Rights of kings), and that it was God's will for Lincoln to win the Civil War and help end slavery.
L2)While Lincoln's first Inaugural Address, Lincoln spoke of the future, and everything he would do for the country in a very long speech. The second speech, on the other hand, was not as long, and spoke more of the past than on the future. When giving his first speech, Lincoln was not the most popular president of all time. But with the second speech, he had gained more support. Lincoln's second speech is also more about rebuilding than the first one had been. He seems to be talking more about the people coming together and finishing the work than he had in the first one. The second speech is more of a sum-up of the first speech and a call to repair, while the first one was more about the inpending war.
Whitman 2) Whitman likens Lincoln to an actor throughout the piece: "He look'd with curiosity upon that immense sea of faces, and the sea of faces return'd the look with similar curiosity. In both there was a dash of comedy, almost farce, such as Shakspere puts in his blackest tragedies." (492); "(Lincoln was fond of the theatre. I have myself seen him there several times. I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text.)" (494). In creating this likeness, Whitman describes how all eyes are on Lincoln, garnering a lot of respect and fascination. He describes how Lincoln likewise holds a fascination for the humble theater, which Whitman believes cannot compare to the drama that is his life. In showing this mutual fascination, he shows Lincoln's humanity.
Whitman 3) Whitman ends his speech by saying, "Dear to the Muse - thrice dear to Nationality - to the whole human race - precious to this Union - precious to Democracy - unspeakably and forever precious - their first great Martyr Chief." (498) This really describes the national and international significance Lincoln has. Whitman claims that he holds great significance for democracy, Whitman implies that he died for democracy; Lincoln went to war because that was what the people decided upon and for the democracy of the slaves that were freed though that was not his direct intention for the war as is evident in Lincoln's addresses. Whitman describes him as a "Martyr Chief," unique in the sense that he was the leader and was martyred by a citizen that he technically presided over.
Lincoln 1) Lincoln includes the allusions and quotations from the Bible in order to show that God supports neither of the opposing sides that take part in the war, but that "The Almighty has His own purposes" (538). He shows God's neutrality in the matter, and implies that God has no preference for either to win and sees them all the same, perhaps showing them the ignorance of their division. These references and allusions unite the country (or at least a good portion of it) during a time of great division, appealing to the pathos of the population in order to help ease the hard feelings caused by the war.
Lincoln 2) While his first inaugural address claims disinterest in the subject of slavery, the second states "...slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war" (538) though this discrepancy is somewhat clarified in the first speech, which explains that he was simply trying to uphold the constitution, which said nothing of slavery. He believed that the upholding of the constitution was the best way to preserve the Union. He explains in the first address that he would use force only if he must, and in the second he explains that it became necessary to use force to uphold the Union. His first address sets the background for the war that he is coming out of in the second address.
W2) I agree with Chloe and Arun on this question. I believe that Lincoln was so fond of theatre because it was something that would make him and the American people more alike. I believe it was an attempt to win over individuals who did not originally support him, like "the vast majority" of people in New York City who were, according to Whitman, "anything but supporters." Lincoln's attempt to win them over was the reason he was the People's President, because he tried to show everyone that he was not all that different than them.
W3) Whitman praises Lincoln mainly for the way that Lincoln died. He believes that because Lincoln went out with a bang, he should be immortalized with heroes such as those that existed in ancient Greek mythology. He says this by saying that "if the old Greeks had had this man, that trilogies of plays - what epics - would have been made of him! How the rhapsodes would have recited him!" (497) He believes that Lincoln should have more than normal significance because he exited life in the same way as Greek heroes, and that should be praised.
L1) Lincoln's main reason for using the Bible in his speech was to try to unify the American people, both from the North and the South. He says in his speech, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God."(538) In this speech he is trying to unify America, and he tries to apply to the listener's ethos through a moralistic appeal. He is trying to convince Americans that the North and the South can get along, and he uses something that they both use, the Bible, to prove his point.
L2) Lincoln's first Inaugural Address was more focused on his goals, because he was trying to convince the American population to trust and have faith in him. His goals are firm and definite, where his goals in the second address are more vague, such as trying to "bind up the nation's wounds" and to "care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan."(539)
Whitman 2. Not only does Whitman make Lincoln seem like a normal American, but Whitman also emphasizes that the President of the United States is supposed to represent the people of America. As “funny [as] it was” (494), Lincoln was sitting like a normal American in a theater. Sure, Lincoln was an average person who was “so completely interested and absorb’d in those human jackstraws” (494). However, Whitman tries to go beyond this claim by making it more generalized. A democracy revolves around the power of the people. Even during Lincoln’s time, the people were the ones who chose to have Lincoln, an average American before and during his presidency, as their president. Similar to many Americans, Lincoln “was fond of the theatre” (494), and his love for theatre allowed him to connect with some Americans. The President is just a normal American who does his best to represent the people of America and who tries to help the majority of Americans live successful lives. 3. Every single person is a part of some nation, connected group of people. Every nation has a type of leader, whether it is a dictator, a president, or a king. In his lecture Whitman states that Lincoln’s death is a “grand death of the race” (497), which could be compared to grand deaths of other races or nations. People in each nation know how alarming and depressing it can be when they lose their leader. When Lincoln died, people all around the world knew that America had lost someone extremely important and life-changing because these people knew the loss of losing their own leaders.
Lincoln 1. Lincoln’s references to the Bible represent an appeal to ethos. While speaking to the people of America, he knew that most of the people were religious and believed the Bible to be their guide to life. Since Lincoln desired to appeal to Americans’ morals and beliefs, he cleverly used Biblical references to convince people he would improve America as the president. When he stated that both the slaves and the government “read the same Bible, and pray[ed] to the same God” (538), Lincoln proved to Americans that in some ways, including religious ways, the whites and blacks were equal. Neither the whites nor the blacks expected war, but racism was encouraging them to do so. The Biblical references related not only Lincoln to his people but also Anglos to slaves. Overall, the Biblical references made people listen and trust what Lincoln had to say since they had already trusted the Bible, which Lincoln was quoting. 2. In his first address Lincoln seems more optimistic about his presidency, and he only speaks to the subject of slavery. He sounds as though he wants to be more peaceful than violent, unless something forces him to be authoritative. In his second address he states that the Union has changed since one of the parties “would make war rather than let the nation survive” (538). By the time of his second address the war had already begun, so he was forced to discuss the war, which already pertained to the issue of slavery. The first inaugural speech clarifies why Lincoln talked mainly about slavery, the cause of the war, and the conditions of ending the war.
2) I agree with Arun and Chloe that Whitman uses his observation of Lincoln's fondness for theater to illustrate how Lincoln was like any other middle class American citizen. However, Whitman also uses this observation to show how he believes Lincoln's love of theater is comical because Lincoln has more important state matters in his mind to worry about but he enjoys watching "those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures" (494). This makes Lincoln seem more human and approachable because he finds pleasure in the same entertainments as everyday people.
3) Lincoln has more then national significance because he had a heroic and tragic death. Whitman compares Lincoln to the Greek's tragic hero and exclaims, "why, if the old Greeks had had this man, what trilogies of plays-what epics-would have been made out of him!" (497). This makes Lincoln seem way more of a larger then life hero. He is also seen as a great man because his death brought the nation together. Whitman makes this clear when he says, "Strange, (is it not?) that battles, martyrs, agonies, blood, even assassination, should so condense-perhaps only really, lastingly condense-a Nationality" (497). Lincoln is larger then life because his tragic end united our Nation.
1) Lincoln uses biblical references to show how people from the North and South have the same religious beliefs. Lincoln states, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God: and each invokes his aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing bread from the ..other men" (538). This language is persuasive because it appeals to the morals and ideals of the majority of the people of the time. He is also being persuasive because he calls on a higher power then himself.
2) The first inaugural address Lincoln address the fear and the upcoming the Civil War and he uses this to start his second inaugural address. I agree with Chloe that he uses this to show the changes in the time and that it produced more ethical people
2. Whitman mentions Lincoln's fondness for theater to show that he is just the same as a normal middle-class citizen; even if he is the President of the United States. There were many advertisements of the President and his Lady attending the theater productions because usually Presidents don't normally attend to public entertainment. Walt Whitman sees this as being humorous because since he is the President, why would theater be so interesting to him? The President is seen as a serious figure in the country. When hearing that he attends theater productions it changes the views of him from being upper-class, serious, top person in the United States to just being a regular normal ciztizen. I agree with Ruchika in her idea that because the President deals with so many national problems ("history's stage"), how can he possibly have time and intrest to watch theater. (This makes Whitman laugh).
3. I agree with Arun's idea that all the people have untimely death in common. The difference between untimely death and expected death is that untimely death is unexpected, horrifying, and because it is startling it is given more attention, rather than an expected death. Expected death is already knowing that death is coming. Even tho death is expected it is still horrifying but it is not as startling; therefore, there's not as much attention. Whitman metnions his idea that Lincoln is not like other historic figures, he is more fateful and heroic, he lived "a heroic-eminent life". Because his death was unexpected his achievements such as the victory of the Civil War and influencing history has lead him to receive more attention then most well-known hisotric figures.
1. In Lincoln's speech he includes both allusions to and direct quotations from the Bible to support his argument of war not being needed and that a simple negotiation would be less violent. He uses Biblical allusions to support his idea that the North and South people are equal, that whites are equal to blacks. "Both read the same same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each envokes His aid against the other" (538). Everyone is entitled to their own opinions; however, they all share acommon faith in God. Lincoln uses the Biblical allusions to bring the idea that blacks and whites are equal. Not only does Lincoln use allusions but also his Inaugural Address apeals to ethos.
2. Lincoln's first Inaugural Address talks about a possible war (Civil War) that might break out about slavery. He also brings up his original ideas and goals which may lead to war. Lincoln uses the first Inaugural Address to recollect his ideas and goals of the war, leading into his second Inaugural Address which talks about the Civil War and the ending of it. While using these two speechs, Lincoln makes clear of the slavery situation and the possible ending of it.
Whitman: 2)His observation about Lincoln's fondness for theater highlights first Lincolns exalted place as "the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage" (494). After making this distinction, which illustrates both Lincoln's historical importance and perhaps that he really was only a performer, swept along by the script of history and not actually one of those privileged to write it, he goes on to comment on how lowly everyday theater should seem to one such as Lincoln. However, Whitman points out that Lincoln, in fact, enjoys it. This humanizes him, and removes him from his pedestal, placing him once again among the ranks of the everyday individual. Also, by describing him as "absorbed" (494) in the play, he suggests Lincoln had an intense interest in the lives of the people of America.
3) As he sees it, the "inheritance-value" (497) of every nationality is in its dramatic deaths. It is what is most remembered, and most known to people outside said nationality. As such historical and perhaps emotional significance is placed on deaths, Lincoln's untimely end resounds in the hearts and minds of all peoples. Also, as his death was a form of culmination to the whole Secession/Slavery (depending on one's point of view) question, it impressed itself even more strongly on the minds of the populace. Any leader who dies in connection to any sort of cause automatically receives an elevated historical significance.
Lincoln: 1) He uses the Biblical quotes and allusions to try to unify the country and ask that the North not judge the South and vice versa. His quotes indicate that God has chosen no side in the war, and as such, the American people need not see each other as 'right' or 'wrong'. As a persuasive technique, the quotations are quite powerful, as the Bible was considered a form of higher authority at that time. By drawing on it, Lincoln makes an appeal to ethos, lending credibility to his suggestions and giving the people a reason to believe what he is saying, regardless of their position regarding the civil war.
2)In his second speech, as it pertains to the first, Lincoln clarifies in what ways and how he did not follow what he set out to do at the onset of his presidency. The first speech is devoted to peace, and pacifying all parties involved, while directly stating his opposition to violence. However, war did become necessary, and, in effect, in his second speech he admits that he was wrong originally, and explains how his seemingly contradictory actions were necessary. If one did not have knowledge of his first address, his explanation of how the war started would seem superfluous. As the audience was already aware of the goals he originally set out, his second speech only served to amend the goals that were no longer feasible, given the new set of circumstances.
Whitman 2.Whitman states, "Lincoln was fond of the theatre. I have myself seen him there several times. I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's state through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). Whitman speaks of Lincolns fondness of the theatre in order to make Lincoln appear similar to the middle class people of America. This fondness towards theatre makes him seem more "real" and more of the "people's president." The larger purpose this observation serves is to create a metaphor between a small scale theatre production and the idea that Lincoln himself is in a play as the main character of American history.
3. When Whitman talks about Lincoln's death he speaks of nationalism and a significance far more than the citizens of the United States. However, Whitman then explains that Lincoln's death allows for a more than national significance, because although Lincoln may be the face of the United States, every person in the U.S. is still an American and this is what brings us all together.
Lincoln 1. Lincoln provides allusions and references to the Bible in order to create an ethical appeal. Lincoln uses the Bible to create unity between the North and the South of the U.S. He argues that we all read out of the same Bible and we all pray to the same God, so why must we fight against each other as if we are fighting our own brothers. This ethical appeal is effective due to the fact that especially during these time periods religion played a large role in the lives of many Americans.
2. In Lincoln's first inaugural speech he talks about slavery and a possible war that might come out of it. However, in the second inaugural speech he talks about the end of the war and the end of slavery. The longer first inaugural speech helps clarify the shorter second speech through its main focus on slavery and the civil war.
Whitman 2) Whitman is surprised by Lincon's fondness for the theater. He says "I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (Whitman 494). When Whitman talks about "the stormiest drama" he is describing Lincoln's position of power and his duties and responsibilities as president that affect a whole country. He describes the smaller matters as "human jackstraws". These are smaller things such as art and affairs that aren't on a national level. Whitman observes that Lincoln still appreciates this part of his country despite everything he is a part of.
3) According to Whitman, a mutual loss such as the death of a leader or important figure gives that which was lost great significance among its people. Whitman says that "there is a cement to the whole people, subtler, more underlying, than anything in written constitution, or courts or armies - namely, the cement of a death identified thoroughly with that people, at its head, and for its sake" (Whitman 497). Whitman is saying that Lincoln's death made his impact on the people even greater. It made him "their first great Martyr Chief" (Whitman 498). Lincoln's death immortalized his message and his ideas among the people who experienced this loss.
Lincoln 1) Lincoln uses the bible because it is a powerfully persuasive tool. Because so many people followed the bible and considered it to be right, using the bible appealed to most of the population. Because religion was a strong part of most people's lives back then, having religion on his side allowed Lincoln to gain the people's support. He says "Both read the same bible, and pray to the same god; and each invokes his aid against the other" (Lincoln 538). He uses this quote to inspire tolerance nad to promote peace and understanding between opposing sides.
2) In his first speech, Lincoln talks about creating a "more perfect union". In this one he ends the speech by telling the people to "do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations" (Lincoln 539). Lincoln continues to talk about establishing peace and unity in both speeches.
2. I agree with what most other people have said about this question. Lincoln is the actor, and the play is history. Whitman says, “I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws..." (5-9). In addition, Lincoln’s love of theatre serves a second purpose, that of making him appear more human and average. The fact that he takes place in a such a common practice such as going to the theatre shows that he is on the same level as the common American. Everyone else has had the same opinion, and further elaborating is unnecessary. 3. I agree with what Arun and Keyan said in answering this question. Keyan’s point that most nations can relate to having a leader killed is great. All the people that are listed including Lincoln did have an untimely death, which makes them similar. However, they have another similarity. All of these people were great leaders or important figures, and putting Lincoln with them show how important Lincoln was and is. Through his death, Lincoln can join these important historical figures who all met an untimely death. L1) Lincoln makes allusions to the Bible for two reasons. Firstly, he is using Ethos to appeal to his audience. Most people of that time had the same religion, and by appealing to a common religion, Lincoln is able to have his listeners identify with him more. Secondly, he is trying to unify both the past Confederates and Unionists. He says that both groups "read the same Bible, and pray to the same God," establishing a common point between the two groups. L2) I agree with Edwin that both speeches stress unity as important. While in his first speech, Lincoln discusses an issue that could divide the nation, in his second speech, he stresses unity and oneness as his main point. The first speech shows us what the country was split over, and the second speech attempts to fix that divide.
(2) On the surface, Whitman expresses his amusement by the irony of Lincoln's interest in theater, stating, "how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely absorb'd in those human jackstraws" (494). Yet on a deeper level, similarities between the two situations are startlingly parallel. Whitman describes Lincoln's murder itself as if it were acted out in a similar manner to the play that was taking place at the time, asserting, "Had not all this terrible scene... been rehears'd, in blank, by Booth, beforehand?" (495). Through this extended comparison between Lincoln's life and the script from a play, Whitman points to the immense significance of Lincoln himself. The events of everyday life hardly ever merit presence in the plot of a play, but Lincoln's life was "the stormiest drama known to real history's stage" (494). Whitman even goes on to state, "When centuries hence... the leading historians and dramatists seek for some personage, some special event... those historians will seek in vain for any point to serve more thoroughly their purpose, than Abraham Lincoln's death" (497-498).
(3) Whitman generalizes Abraham Lincoln to all great men of all nations, stating, "The final use of the greatest men of a Nation... The final use of a heroic-eminent life - especially of a heroic-eminent death - is its indirect filtering into the nation and the race, and to give... age after age, color and fibre to the personalism of the youth and maturity of that age, and of mankind" (497). Arun made a good point here: that Whitman is conveying the belief that nations are defined by the "great Martyr Chief"s that impacted them, in this case Lincoln to the United States (498).
Lincoln:
(1) Lincoln references the Bible to support his belief that whoever is meant by God to win and end the war will do so, because "The Almighty has His own purposes" (538). He speaks of the contradiction of how "Both [sides] read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other" (538). These Biblical references then, appeal to the ethos of BOTH sides of the conflict and therefore make the most impact. Nearly everyone at this time period was of the Christian faith, and would have regarded the Bible as a respected and reliable source.
(2) Lincoln's first inaugural speech concerned keeping the Union intact. He spoke of the national worry of oncoming war, and insisted that a civil war must be avoided in order to maintain the United States' identity as a unified nation. In his second speech, he states that during the last four years, "Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came" (538). He looks back seemingly realizing that the war was inevitable, and now the focus must be on ending it through peaceful means. He states, "God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds" (539).
1) Lincoln uses biblical allusions and direct quotations from the Bible in order to strengthen his arguments. He begins by saying that both the white man and black man “read the same Bible, and pray to the same God,” yet both call upon this same God to work against the other. He comments on how genuinely strange it is that even though God said “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground,” one man expects to receive the fruits of another’s labor and sweat (538). Lincoln continues by saying that if one does not judge the other, the other will not judge him. He believes this should be the basis of the relationship of the white and black man, and using the Bible to reinforce an argument that is frowned upon by many people helps his judgment. A vast majority of the people at this time knew the Bible, and Lincoln, by using a text that many people are familiar with, could gather more support. Instead of using vague political language, he uses a text that everyone can relate too, which only further validates his arguments and makes him more trustworthy.
2) In Lincoln’s first inaugural speech, he mentions a multitude of times that he believes he does not have the power to have an affect on slavery. Nothing is mentioned in the Constitution that allows him to change any aspect of slavery. Also, at this time, the Civil war hadn’t begun yet. There was only a sense of impending doom. Lincoln says, “One of [the parties] would make war…and the other would accept war….And the war came” (538). When the time comes around for him to say his second inaugural address, the war has already started and there is no way for him to avoid talking about the current social and political situations. Lincoln specifically declares that “there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first” (537). However, he is well aware that he must discuss the ills that afflicted the nation at this time.
Whitman
2) As Whitman begins to explain Lincoln’s fondness for the theater, he mentions his surprise at this fact. Whitman believes Lincoln to be the lead actor in the “stormiest drama known to real history’s stage,” and therefore finds it strange that he should be interested in a theater that is so much more artificial and silly (494). He abruptly declares when the murder of Lincoln occurred, and instantly chronicles his death as a wrinkle in the history of the New World. Additionally, Whitman remarks later that the murder of Lincoln seemed rehearsed, just like one of the plays he was watching. The scrambling after the gun shot is “a wild scene,” or even something directly out of a theater production (495). The chaos outside of the theater “made a fitting side-scene to the grand tragedy of the murder” (496). Lincoln’s life, or in this case death, is once again put into the context of a theater production.
3) According to Whitman, Lincoln’s death is far bigger than a national tragedy because of the manner in which he died. The citizens are all unified with a sense of nationalism, and the tragic way in which Lincoln’s life was ended can heighten that nationalism. Whitman says, “But Lincoln, his times, his death…belong altogether to our own, and are autochthonic” (497). Sarah Brennemen makes a good point about how the significance of how one feels toward a specific death has a lot to do with how it occurred. In the case of Lincoln, it was untimely.
2. As many others before me have quoted, Whitman describes Lincoln as "the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage" and is surprised that Lincoln should be interested in "silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). Whitman describes how he finds it "funny" that Lincoln, in the political world, is intellectual and serious but, in the world of this play, Lincoln is relaxed and loose, perhaps even "silly." Lincoln, as a president, embodies all of the qualities of the American spirit, the serious, hard-working side as well as the comical and joyous side. Whitman uses observation of Lincoln's fondness for the theater to show how Lincoln was truly the president of the people, embodying all of the qualities of the American identity. Whitman's observation humanizes Lincoln and places him directly in the world of his people. Whitman uses this moment to point out the similarities between Lincoln and his fellow people in order to show how he was not only relatable but also embodied the American ideal.
3. Whitman describes how Lincoln's has great significance, not only in America, but also "to the whole human race" (498). Whitman writes that the reason Lincoln has a more than national significance is because all these people have in common the need for some defining event that is "incisive enough to mark with deepest cut...to close that grogeous procession of European feudalism" (497). Lincoln, especially through his death, was able to create this long-hoped for event that put a mark in history. Lincoln was able to create an event in history that fed what people around the world craved: a way to create a new beginning by becoming the "first great Martyr Chief" (498).
Lincoln
1. Lincoln's references to the Bible are used to support his appeal to the universal ethos. He is hoping to unite the people of his country under the unifying belief in religion. As Keyan also quoted, Lincoln states, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God" (538). This line clearly calls out a connection between the north and the south. In addition, he says, "fervently we do pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass way" (538). By making the matter religious, Lincoln is hoping to unify his people under a common goal. Likewise, Lincoln quotes near the end "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether" (538). By quoting this line, Lincoln tries to bring his divided country together by showing how God is actually the ultimate decision maker of everything, and together, everyone obeys by his laws. Biblical references are important as a persuasive technique because religion, especially at this time, was a foundation in many people's lives. Religion also does not appeal to logos and therefore it needs no justifiable evidence or explanation behind it. Most importantly, religion was a unifying factor that could bring the divided country together. All knew the codes of religion and all could relate to these, no matter how religious they were.
2. Lincoln's first inaugural speech clarifies what occurred with the seceded states and how they felt about slavery and war. In his second inaugural speech, Lincoln quickly summarizes how the states felt about going to war four years prior in order to explain what happened after the fact. In addition, in his first inaugural speech, Lincoln clearly states that he believes he cannot interfere with the slave industry and explains his opinion on issues. However, in his second inaugural address, Lincoln does not state his opinions but rather tries to persuade his people to rally together. Also, in his second address, he makes on promises to his country, as he had already done so in his first address.
2. Whitman explores Lincoln's fondness for the theater as a metaphor to the dramatic events in which his death was played out. He refers to the murder as a performance-like action, and asks: "had it not all been rehears'd, in blank, by booth, beforehand?" Throughout the piece, Whitman alludes to Lincoln's presence as if he were on a stage. He describes simply the presence of Lincoln silencing a generally rowdy and boisterous New York crowd, much like an actor would with a stage entrance. I think that although Whitman was obviously a great fan of Lincoln's, he, in a way, saw this as a somewhat fitting end to Lincoln's life, for it mirrored the theatrics of the stage, something that Lincoln loved quite dearly.
3. Through his death, Lincoln becomes a martyred leader. I think that because of Lincoln's status as a martyred leader, whitman believes him to transcend the image of a hero on the mere national level because he sees Lincoln as the first martyred hero of America as he compares Lincoln to the likes of Napoleon and Caesar. I find it interesting that Whitman doesn't allude to Jesus in these comparisons, but more of the greek epic hero, possibly a nod to anti-religious sentiments, for whitman does reference the fact that Lincoln was not very church -oriented.
1. Lincoln's biblical references are there to support his claim that the nation needs to heal its wounds and work in unity in order to survive. The allusions to God and the bible are simply there to please a predominantly Christian audience. There's not much else to it.
2. Lincoln references his first inaugural address as a sign of humility. He admits that slavery still exists, and that a war has come from it. these are two things that he aimed not to let happen when he made his first inaugural address. In the context of the second address, most of the audience would have been informed on the subject of the previous one, and this humility would be much more obvious.
Lincoln: 1. Lincoln uses biblical references to argue that slavery is wrong and that a civil war was necessary to end it. Lincoln quotes the Bible, saying, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh" (3). Lincoln then uses this quote in the context of the civil war when he says, " American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but...He now wills to remove...He gives to both North and South this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offense come" (3). Lincoln argues that God views slavery as bad and sends civil war as punishment. Using biblical references to prove his argument is effective because most people at this time were religious and therefore would not have argued over anything supported by the Bible. Also, using religion provides ethos for Lincoln. 2. Lincoln's first inaugural speech clarifies why Lincoln says, "at this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first" (1). When LIncoln first became president, his election was controversial because many people disagreed over the issue of slavery and an impending civil war. Therefore, he was required to address these issues in the first inaugural address. By reading the first inaugural address, references to it in the second inaugural address are cleared up.
Whitman: 2. Whitman's observation of Lincoln's fondness of theater serves the larger purpose of showing how lincoln is like the average American and therefore relatable. Whitman uses the phrase "human jackstraws" (9), which shows how unexceptional theater is compared to the idea of president. He also shows this when he describes "their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (9). By showing that Lincoln, compared to the pre-conceived notion of the role of president, is like the average person, Whitman shows how Americans can identify with Lincoln. 3. According to Whitman, Lincoln's death makes him significant to more than the citizens of the United States. Whitman speaks of "the cement of a death identified thoroughly with that people, at its head, and for its sake" (17). Lincoln's death is sacrificial in a way, because, as Whitman emphasizes in paragraph eight, on the day of Lincoln's death, the Civil War had just ended and everyone was in a celebratory mood. The circumstances of Lincoln's death makes a "dramatic death," which Whitman says is the "most important inheritance-value" of "every nationality" (18). Lincoln is important to people because of his death
Lincoln 1. Lincoln references the Bible to provide a reason for the Civil War. He explains through direct quotes from the Bible that "Woe unto the world because of offenses!" 9538). Lincoln explains how God saw slavery as an "offense." Therefore, God feels he must punish the people, which he does by sending a civil war. The references to the Bible suggest a common and unifying belief among all the people. As Lincoln states of Northerners and Southerners, "Both read the same bible, and pray to the same God" (538). Also, the Bible references connect these people through their religion, and as they would probably believe the idea that there is punishment for sin as Lincoln evokes the Bible to explain it, the civil war then has an understandable cause and a good reason for occurring-to punish sinners.
2. In his first inaugural address, Lincoln talks about how he feels he cannot do much about slavery. Also, he describes how there is a feeling of a war soon to come, as the civil war had not started yet at that time. Additionally, Lincoln explains his opinions and views on these issues. Therefore, in his second address, he does not need to spend his time talking about this. Instead, Lincoln focuses on the civil war and a reason for it. The first inaugural address clears up references to it and why Lincoln does not mention every detail of his idea and his views. Since at the time of the second address, the civil war is the most important issue, Lincoln spends his time discussing it rather than discussing his views and ideas which he had already mentioned in his first address.
Whitman 2. Whitman describes Lincoln's fondness for theater. He explains that it seems a tad peculiar that this great man who is, himself, the main character in the play that is history, would enjoy "those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). This mentioning of Lincoln's enjoyment of the theater serves to show that Lincoln was a great man and to think that he enjoyed everyday, common things was so odd. Whitman also describes how since Lincoln was this "leading actor," deserved to be remembered as such and deserved a great amount of respect even posthumously (494).
3. Whitman believes that the reason Lincoln has more-than-nation significance is because he was assassinated as a great leader. The facts that he was killed when he was still in office and of course that he was a great man show how Lincoln is important and relevant across the border of countries. Lincoln's status as a "great Martyr Chief" is what gives him the ability to relate across nations (498). All, or at least many, countries have had some great leader assassinated and Lincoln is America's version of this. Lincoln can be significant to more than just American citizens, not only because he was an important president, but also because he was murdered, and not just murdered, he was murdered while in office.
2. In his perception of Lincoln's fondness of theater Whitman shows how Lincoln was a man of the people. In his analysis of Lincoln's murder Whitman comments on "how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama know to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with there silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and perfumes" (Whitman 10-14). In this passage Whitman is basically saying that it is odd for someone so important in world and national affairs to bring himself down to earth and relate to the people. His larger meaning behind this passage is that Lincoln could be extremely important yet be able to find time for the common American.
3. The reason that Lincoln , in Whitman's opinion, was a great leader was the fact that he did something truly revolutionary and died for this act. Lincoln ended slavery in America and died for this reason. The very fact that he died for this cause makes him a martyr, a symbol. When people think of slavery and injustice and the great who have took a stand on this issue they will remember Abraham Lincoln.
1. At first Lincoln uses religious references to underline a unity between the north and south; however, as the speech progresses he begins to use it as a rational for a condemnation of slavery. "if we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove" (Lincoln 538). Basically Lincoln uses religion to justify war against slavery.
2. Lincoln's first inaugural address was more concerned about maintaining the union and keeping the united states together. this set up his second address in which he claims that war between the states is necessary. Due to the fact that his first address was condemning conflict it shows him as reluctant to engage in conflict, a fact that improves the ethos of his address.
Whitman: Questions 2, 3.
ReplyDelete2. Whitman portrays Lincoln's fondness of the theatre through a metaphor and utilizes his perception of it as a way to illustrate Lincoln's ability to serve as both a leader, but also embody a role as a "People's President". Whitman states, "I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws..." (5-9). Whitman describes the irony in Lincoln's deep interest of the theatre by explaining his own surprise that Lincoln, "...the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's state", would take teh time to immerse himself in such a commonplace activity. By portraying Lincoln's interest of the theatre in this sense, Whitman implies Lincoln's ability to relate to the people, despite his own "role" in some of the most controversial issues of the time, such as slavery. Whitman chooses to illustrate Lincoln's love for the theatre in this way, in order to admire and praise Lincoln's time in presidency.
3. Whitman speaks grandly of Lincoln's significance for a greater number than just the citizens of the United States to illustrate to the reader that the death of such a national hero as Abraham Lincoln, stands for more than just the loss of a icon, but that great loss in general stands for entire nationalities. Whitman states, "Strange (is it not?) that battles, martyrs, agonies, blood, even assasination, should so condense--perhaps only really lastingly condense--a Nationality" (17). Whitman attempts to explain that all nationalities experience great loss, which invariably molds their cultures, "I repeat it--the grand deaths of a race--the dramatic deaths of every nationality--are its most important inheritance-value--in some respects, beyond its literature and art" (18). Whitman states that what all people have in common is the experience of great loss that molds their nationalities.
Whitman:
ReplyDelete2) Whitman uses the love of the theater to and theater itself as a symbol for America. In this case, Lincoln is an actor in the theater of war and politics. The observation is used to emphasize Lincoln's greater role in leading America.
3) All of the "famous Grecian masters" he mentions were great men with tragic endings. By mentioning them, he is associating Lincoln with them.
Lincoln:
1)He states that while god does not support one side or another in the Civil War, he disapproves of the offence of American slavery. Biblical references are powerful persuasive techniques because most of the audience is familiar with it and it represents their ethos.
Lincoln uses both direct quotations and biblical allusions from the Bible in order to cite a higher, religious authority. He develops his argument using them as an appeal to ethos. Moreover, by implementing biblical allusions, Lincoln encourages the people to imitate God’s ways. He also equalizes the two sides (North and South) in America during the Civil War by stating that they “both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God” (538). Lincoln never directly blames one side for the cause of the war; instead, he encourages them to end in peace.
ReplyDeleteLincoln sets up his Second Inaugural Address by referring back to his First Inaugural Address four years ago. Reading the First Inaugural Address, Lincoln’s original goals are clarified. While the first speech was about the “impending civil war”, the second address is about a possible ending to the civil war.
i have no idea on the theater question...
Walt Whitman recognizes Lincoln as a national hero, and he compares his death (or tragedy) to those of the Greeks. Lincoln's death is not ordinary, for it represents the country. Whitman also compliments Lincoln by saying that he is a "thrice dear to Nationality- to the whole human race-precious to Democracy..."
Lincoln: Questions 1 and 2
ReplyDelete1. Lincoln's choice to incorporate Biblical references in his Second Inaugural Address an attempt to persuade the reader with morality and ethos. Lincoln declares, "It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged" (3). Lincoln alludes to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and to God's curse on Adam, in order to support his argument that slavery should be outlawed in the south. Lincoln states, "...woe unto that man by whom the offense cometh!", to convey his point that those who participate in enforcing and promoting slavery, are to meet God's judgement for their cruel and evil acts of bondage. Biblical references are important as a persuasive technique because they use ethos to persuade the reader into thinking that slavery is not just unjust, but immoral, and to instill a fear of the judgement of God into the reader by alluding to certain scenarios in the Bible where God punishes those "...whom the offense cometh!".
2. In both paragraphs one and two, Lincoln refers back to his First Inaugural Address, and parallels it to the current situation in which the Second Inaugural Address takes place. Lincoln posits, "One the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war" (2). Lincoln illustrates the passage of time from the anxiety and expectation of an "impending civil war", to a more tranquil and peaceful time. He refers back to the fears of four years ago, in order to illustrate the advancement of the Union, and its current modified state, post war. The Second Inaugural Address clarifies and verifies the fear of a civil war. Lincoln plaining declares, "And the war came" (2). Lincoln's reminiscence of the turbulent time prior to the civil war, and the current improvement made in regard to slavery post the civil war, illustrates a passage of time, and the evolution of a more moral people, and their advancement from one period of time, to one of a more hopeful time.
2. Whitman uses the theater as a springboard to demonstrate how Lincoln was, like Chloe said, a true American People's President. He is a man that has worked all his life from relative obscurity in a small town in Illinois to arguably the most notorious President in the history of one of the most prosperous countries in the world. He attempts to demonstrate that through his love of theater productions, he was just like the other middle class Americans that he was representing, and that he truly was the People's President.
ReplyDelete3. These people share one thing in common: their untimely death. He writes, "How quickly that quaint tall form would have enter'd into the region where men vitalize gods, and gods divinify men!" (497). Ultiamtely he is posthumoussly immortalized through his death, as Whitman puts it. This ultimately leads to his international fame as the ideal American President.
1. He uses these references as portraying both the North and South as equal peoples. For example, he says, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other" (538). He uses this to demonstrate that all American share this common faith in God, regardless of the other's view on slavery or abolition. Biblical references are important as a persuasive technique because it demonstrates the strong religious authority that God has, not just the speaker.
2. I agree with Cynthia's comment for the second question. The first speech was written as the Civil War was breaking out, and in this speech, the end of slavery is clear. It ultimately helps clarify the impending slavery question and the end of the Civil War
Walt Whitman
ReplyDelete2. Whitman's observation of Lincoln's fondness for theater-going serves first to illustrate an irony which Whitman finds humorous and interesting, and then to lend human aspects to a man whose wisdom, demeanor, and physical stature were anything but. Whitman remarks upon Lincoln's apparent fascination with the "silly little gestures" of the theater's acting troupe, suggesting that it's ironic that the President, arguably the most powerful man in the world, and especially one so embroiled in an epic drama of national consequence should be even the least bit interested in the pallid imitations of drama which the acting troupe sets before him. That Lincoln should care about these artificial events, when his own brain is perhaps pounding with the magnitude of his own situation and the hugeness of his responsibility, is astounding to Whitman, and rightfully so. Whitman also communicates Lincoln's interest in theatre as a sort of "celebrities are just like us" feature which demonstrates Lincoln's humanity, a hard-to-find aspect in a dour and grim man who towers above others and whose job is to command the fate of an entire nation.
3. Whitman argues that "the dramatic deaths of every nationality...are its most important iheritance-value" and suggests that Lincoln's death transcends not only American experiences but enters into the international sphere because each nation can relate to the grandness of a martyr or an assassinated leader, whose ideas filtered down into subsequent generations and crystallized into the fully-realized nations which we can appreciate today. Lincoln's death, therefore, is a tragedy which has effect outside of the United States, granting his death and his life more-than-national significance. In a more literal interpretation, his success in emancipating the American slaves had an effect on other nations, namely Africa.
1. Lincoln points out the irony of the United States' religious unity despite its political separation in the paragraph three, where he states that "[both] read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other". Lincoln's words here conjure the ghost of humanity in the Confederates by reminding the Unionists who he is addressing that the Confederates worship the same God and share the same religious beliefs and values as they themselves do. He then alludes to Jesus' statement in the Sermon on the Mount concerning sweaty face-bread to criticize the invocation of divine military aid against one's own fellows, which the Confederates remain to some degree Lincoln knew that his audience were a highly religious crowd, and that they would all be familiar with the Bible and its stories and would be able to appreciate allusions to it and what those allusions entailed. More importantly, however, any invocation of the Bible in front of a crowd of highly religious people lends the speaker a windfall of ethos, making the Bible a very powerful persuasive tool in some situations. However, this usefulness has waned in the United States in the more secular modern era.
2. In paragraphs 1-2, Lincoln references his first inaugural address and the situation surrounding it. He comments that he has no need to state his position in this second of inaugexplained it in past speeches, including the first inaugural address. He also alludes to the anxiety and fear which was present when he made his first inaugural address, the anxiety and fear that a civil war would commence. Lincoln's first inaugural address suggested a tone of pacifism, expressing to the seceded states a hope that they might be able to recoural addresses because he has thoroughly ncile their differences, and yet it included a warning that he would defend his nation if it came to war. Clearly, it did come to war and Lincoln blames the South for starting the war in hopes of destroying the nation, and commends the North for participating in the war in hopes that the nation might be saved. Though this doesn't really make sense, it is a pretty nice bit of rhetoric.
2) Whitman's observation of Lincoln's fondness for theater serves as a purpose to show readers how the President is just like the ordinary middle-class citizen. It is publicized everywhere that the "President and his Lady will be at the Theatre this evening" (494) because usually powerful politicians like Lincoln aren't known for doing these very common conducts such as seeing a play. Furthermore, it serves as irony. "[Lincoln] in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jakstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). Whitman thinks it is funny how someone like the President who has to deal with national conflicts (this being the "history's stage" Whitman refers to) has the time and the interest in these artificial events.
ReplyDelete3) I agree with Arun's answer to this question. Untimely death seems to be the one thing that all these people have in common. The sudden death leads to shock and horror which is given more attention than a timely death. Whitman further argues his point by asserting that Lincoln is more fateful and heroic than some of the most prominent key figures in history such as Eschylus and Ulysses. In addition, his achievements such as the victory of the Civil War is an obvious trait that makes Lincoln significant simply because his influence changed the course of history completely.
1) In Lincoln's speech he includes allusions and direct quotations from the Bible to connect with the audience. Religion is a persuasive technique because most people at the time were religious and Christian. Also, he uses the rhetorical strategy of ethos to reach a moralistic appeal. In addition, Lincoln tries to persuade his audience that the blacks are just like whites. "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other" (538). He uses religion as a unifying force to show that blacks and whites are no different from each other.
2) In the first couple paragraphs Lincoln refers back to his first inaugural speech in order to set the stage for his present speech. His reminescense of the first inaugural speech reminds him of his original goals, more specifically to set forth the Civil War, though he may not wish to. In the second inaugural speech, he is concerned with ending the Civil War. In conclusion, he wants to address the slavery situation and end it as well.
W2) Walter Whitman uses Lincoln's fondnes for theater to show how alike Lincoln was to actors. He claims that Lincoln was "in some respects the leading actor" in current U.S. history. Whitman then states that Lincoln seems to be very interested in the "human jackstraws." I suppose because Whitman is comparing the actors to a children's game, Whitman is comparing Lincoln's "acting" to that of children. Basically, he is saying that compared to everyone else, Lincoln is an adult who is merely indulging the children.
ReplyDeleteW3) Whitman says that because Lincoln died, his last cause will stick more than if he had not been murdered. But shooting Lincoln, Booth has made the world take notice and remember. He had made Lincoln and his cause significant. Now the world is involved as Lincoln's death was so famous. Whitman claims that Lincoln's assassination is so monumental that when one thinks of the 19th century, they will automatically think of Lincoln. Therefore, Lincoln's death has world-wide significance.
L1) Lincoln quotes the Bible to give his own ideas more credence. It also makes him seem part of the community, like a priest or pastor would be. By using the Bible, he also establishes to the doubters that whatever he does, he does with God on his side, almost as though God told him to. Lincoln also talks about how it's God's will; therefore, people should listen to him because God made it possible for him to become president (sort of like the Divine Rights of kings), and that it was God's will for Lincoln to win the Civil War and help end slavery.
L2)While Lincoln's first Inaugural Address, Lincoln spoke of the future, and everything he would do for the country in a very long speech. The second speech, on the other hand, was not as long, and spoke more of the past than on the future. When giving his first speech, Lincoln was not the most popular president of all time. But with the second speech, he had gained more support. Lincoln's second speech is also more about rebuilding than the first one had been. He seems to be talking more about the people coming together and finishing the work than he had in the first one. The second speech is more of a sum-up of the first speech and a call to repair, while the first one was more about the inpending war.
Whitman 2) Whitman likens Lincoln to an actor throughout the piece: "He look'd with curiosity upon that immense sea of faces, and the sea of faces return'd the look with similar curiosity. In both there was a dash of comedy, almost farce, such as Shakspere puts in his blackest tragedies." (492); "(Lincoln was fond of the theatre. I have myself seen him there several times. I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text.)" (494). In creating this likeness, Whitman describes how all eyes are on Lincoln, garnering a lot of respect and fascination. He describes how Lincoln likewise holds a fascination for the humble theater, which Whitman believes cannot compare to the drama that is his life. In showing this mutual fascination, he shows Lincoln's humanity.
ReplyDeleteWhitman 3) Whitman ends his speech by saying, "Dear to the Muse - thrice dear to Nationality - to the whole human race - precious to this Union - precious to Democracy - unspeakably and forever precious - their first great Martyr Chief." (498) This really describes the national and international significance Lincoln has. Whitman claims that he holds great significance for democracy, Whitman implies that he died for democracy; Lincoln went to war because that was what the people decided upon and for the democracy of the slaves that were freed though that was not his direct intention for the war as is evident in Lincoln's addresses. Whitman describes him as a "Martyr Chief," unique in the sense that he was the leader and was martyred by a citizen that he technically presided over.
Lincoln 1) Lincoln includes the allusions and quotations from the Bible in order to show that God supports neither of the opposing sides that take part in the war, but that "The Almighty has His own purposes" (538). He shows God's neutrality in the matter, and implies that God has no preference for either to win and sees them all the same, perhaps showing them the ignorance of their division. These references and allusions unite the country (or at least a good portion of it) during a time of great division, appealing to the pathos of the population in order to help ease the hard feelings caused by the war.
Lincoln 2) While his first inaugural address claims disinterest in the subject of slavery, the second states "...slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war" (538) though this discrepancy is somewhat clarified in the first speech, which explains that he was simply trying to uphold the constitution, which said nothing of slavery. He believed that the upholding of the constitution was the best way to preserve the Union. He explains in the first address that he would use force only if he must, and in the second he explains that it became necessary to use force to uphold the Union. His first address sets the background for the war that he is coming out of in the second address.
W2) I agree with Chloe and Arun on this question. I believe that Lincoln was so fond of theatre because it was something that would make him and the American people more alike. I believe it was an attempt to win over individuals who did not originally support him, like "the vast majority" of people in New York City who were, according to Whitman, "anything but supporters." Lincoln's attempt to win them over was the reason he was the People's President, because he tried to show everyone that he was not all that different than them.
ReplyDeleteW3) Whitman praises Lincoln mainly for the way that Lincoln died. He believes that because Lincoln went out with a bang, he should be immortalized with heroes such as those that existed in ancient Greek mythology. He says this by saying that "if the old Greeks had had this man, that trilogies of plays - what epics - would have been made of him! How the rhapsodes would have recited him!" (497) He believes that Lincoln should have more than normal significance because he exited life in the same way as Greek heroes, and that should be praised.
L1) Lincoln's main reason for using the Bible in his speech was to try to unify the American people, both from the North and the South. He says in his speech, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God."(538) In this speech he is trying to unify America, and he tries to apply to the listener's ethos through a moralistic appeal. He is trying to convince Americans that the North and the South can get along, and he uses something that they both use, the Bible, to prove his point.
L2) Lincoln's first Inaugural Address was more focused on his goals, because he was trying to convince the American population to trust and have faith in him. His goals are firm and definite, where his goals in the second address are more vague, such as trying to "bind up the nation's wounds" and to "care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan."(539)
Whitman
ReplyDelete2. Not only does Whitman make Lincoln seem like a normal American, but Whitman also emphasizes that the President of the United States is supposed to represent the people of America. As “funny [as] it was” (494), Lincoln was sitting like a normal American in a theater. Sure, Lincoln was an average person who was “so completely interested and absorb’d in those human jackstraws” (494). However, Whitman tries to go beyond this claim by making it more generalized. A democracy revolves around the power of the people. Even during Lincoln’s time, the people were the ones who chose to have Lincoln, an average American before and during his presidency, as their president. Similar to many Americans, Lincoln “was fond of the theatre” (494), and his love for theatre allowed him to connect with some Americans. The President is just a normal American who does his best to represent the people of America and who tries to help the majority of Americans live successful lives.
3. Every single person is a part of some nation, connected group of people. Every nation has a type of leader, whether it is a dictator, a president, or a king. In his lecture Whitman states that Lincoln’s death is a “grand death of the race” (497), which could be compared to grand deaths of other races or nations. People in each nation know how alarming and depressing it can be when they lose their leader. When Lincoln died, people all around the world knew that America had lost someone extremely important and life-changing because these people knew the loss of losing their own leaders.
Lincoln
1. Lincoln’s references to the Bible represent an appeal to ethos. While speaking to the people of America, he knew that most of the people were religious and believed the Bible to be their guide to life. Since Lincoln desired to appeal to Americans’ morals and beliefs, he cleverly used Biblical references to convince people he would improve America as the president. When he stated that both the slaves and the government “read the same Bible, and pray[ed] to the same God” (538), Lincoln proved to Americans that in some ways, including religious ways, the whites and blacks were equal. Neither the whites nor the blacks expected war, but racism was encouraging them to do so. The Biblical references related not only Lincoln to his people but also Anglos to slaves. Overall, the Biblical references made people listen and trust what Lincoln had to say since they had already trusted the Bible, which Lincoln was quoting.
2. In his first address Lincoln seems more optimistic about his presidency, and he only speaks to the subject of slavery. He sounds as though he wants to be more peaceful than violent, unless something forces him to be authoritative. In his second address he states that the Union has changed since one of the parties “would make war rather than let the nation survive” (538). By the time of his second address the war had already begun, so he was forced to discuss the war, which already pertained to the issue of slavery. The first inaugural speech clarifies why Lincoln talked mainly about slavery, the cause of the war, and the conditions of ending the war.
Megan
ReplyDeleteWalt Whitman:
2) I agree with Arun and Chloe that Whitman uses his observation of Lincoln's fondness for theater to illustrate how Lincoln was like any other middle class American citizen. However, Whitman also uses this observation to show how he believes Lincoln's love of theater is comical because Lincoln has more important state matters in his mind to worry about but he enjoys watching "those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures" (494). This makes Lincoln seem more human and approachable because he finds pleasure in the same entertainments as everyday people.
3) Lincoln has more then national significance because he had a heroic and tragic death. Whitman compares Lincoln to the Greek's tragic hero and exclaims, "why, if the old Greeks had had this man, what trilogies of plays-what epics-would have been made out of him!" (497). This makes Lincoln seem way more of a larger then life hero. He is also seen as a great man because his death brought the nation together. Whitman makes this clear when he says, "Strange, (is it not?) that battles, martyrs, agonies, blood, even assassination, should so condense-perhaps only really, lastingly condense-a Nationality" (497). Lincoln is larger then life because his tragic end united our Nation.
Megan
ReplyDeleteLincoln:
1) Lincoln uses biblical references to show how people from the North and South have the same religious beliefs. Lincoln states, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God: and each invokes his aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing bread from the ..other men" (538). This language is persuasive because it appeals to the morals and ideals of the majority of the people of the time. He is also being persuasive because he calls on a higher power then himself.
2) The first inaugural address Lincoln address the fear and the upcoming the Civil War and he uses this to start his second inaugural address. I agree with Chloe that he uses this to show the changes in the time and that it produced more ethical people
2. Whitman mentions Lincoln's fondness for theater to show that he is just the same as a normal middle-class citizen; even if he is the President of the United States. There were many advertisements of the President and his Lady attending the theater productions because usually Presidents don't normally attend to public entertainment. Walt Whitman sees this as being humorous because since he is the President, why would theater be so interesting to him? The President is seen as a serious figure in the country. When hearing that he attends theater productions it changes the views of him from being upper-class, serious, top person in the United States to just being a regular normal ciztizen. I agree with Ruchika in her idea that because the President deals with so many national problems ("history's stage"), how can he possibly have time and intrest to watch theater. (This makes Whitman laugh).
ReplyDelete3. I agree with Arun's idea that all the people have untimely death in common. The difference between untimely death and expected death is that untimely death is unexpected, horrifying, and because it is startling it is given more attention, rather than an expected death. Expected death is already knowing that death is coming. Even tho death is expected it is still horrifying but it is not as startling; therefore, there's not as much attention. Whitman metnions his idea that Lincoln is not like other historic figures, he is more fateful and heroic, he lived "a heroic-eminent life". Because his death was unexpected his achievements such as the victory of the Civil War and influencing history has lead him to receive more attention then most well-known hisotric figures.
1. In Lincoln's speech he includes both allusions to and direct quotations from the Bible to support his argument of war not being needed and that a simple negotiation would be less violent. He uses Biblical allusions to support his idea that the North and South people are equal, that whites are equal to blacks. "Both read the same same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each envokes His aid against the other" (538). Everyone is entitled to their own opinions; however, they all share acommon faith in God. Lincoln uses the Biblical allusions to bring the idea that blacks and whites are equal. Not only does Lincoln use allusions but also his Inaugural Address apeals to ethos.
2. Lincoln's first Inaugural Address talks about a possible war (Civil War) that might break out about slavery. He also brings up his original ideas and goals which may lead to war. Lincoln uses the first Inaugural Address to recollect his ideas and goals of the war, leading into his second Inaugural Address which talks about the Civil War and the ending of it. While using these two speechs, Lincoln makes clear of the slavery situation and the possible ending of it.
^^^
ReplyDeletemiranda
Whitman:
ReplyDelete2)His observation about Lincoln's fondness for theater highlights first Lincolns exalted place as "the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage" (494). After making this distinction, which illustrates both Lincoln's historical importance and perhaps that he really was only a performer, swept along by the script of history and not actually one of those privileged to write it, he goes on to comment on how lowly everyday theater should seem to one such as Lincoln. However, Whitman points out that Lincoln, in fact, enjoys it. This humanizes him, and removes him from his pedestal, placing him once again among the ranks of the everyday individual. Also, by describing him as "absorbed" (494) in the play, he suggests Lincoln had an intense interest in the lives of the people of America.
3) As he sees it, the "inheritance-value" (497) of every nationality is in its dramatic deaths. It is what is most remembered, and most known to people outside said nationality. As such historical and perhaps emotional significance is placed on deaths, Lincoln's untimely end resounds in the hearts and minds of all peoples. Also, as his death was a form of culmination to the whole Secession/Slavery (depending on one's point of view) question, it impressed itself even more strongly on the minds of the populace. Any leader who dies in connection to any sort of cause automatically receives an elevated historical significance.
Lincoln:
1) He uses the Biblical quotes and allusions to try to unify the country and ask that the North not judge the South and vice versa. His quotes indicate that God has chosen no side in the war, and as such, the American people need not see each other as 'right' or 'wrong'. As a persuasive technique, the quotations are quite powerful, as the Bible was considered a form of higher authority at that time. By drawing on it, Lincoln makes an appeal to ethos, lending credibility to his suggestions and giving the people a reason to believe what he is saying, regardless of their position regarding the civil war.
2)In his second speech, as it pertains to the first, Lincoln clarifies in what ways and how he did not follow what he set out to do at the onset of his presidency. The first speech is devoted to peace, and pacifying all parties involved, while directly stating his opposition to violence. However, war did become necessary, and, in effect, in his second speech he admits that he was wrong originally, and explains how his seemingly contradictory actions were necessary. If one did not have knowledge of his first address, his explanation of how the war started would seem superfluous. As the audience was already aware of the goals he originally set out, his second speech only served to amend the goals that were no longer feasible, given the new set of circumstances.
Just to clarify, I'm Sarah Brenneman
ReplyDeleteWhitman
ReplyDelete2.Whitman states, "Lincoln was fond of the theatre. I have myself seen him there several times. I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's state through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). Whitman speaks of Lincolns fondness of the theatre in order to make Lincoln appear similar to the middle class people of America. This fondness towards theatre makes him seem more "real" and more of the "people's president." The larger purpose this observation serves is to create a metaphor between a small scale theatre production and the idea that Lincoln himself is in a play as the main character of American history.
3. When Whitman talks about Lincoln's death he speaks of nationalism and a significance far more than the citizens of the United States. However, Whitman then explains that Lincoln's death allows for a more than national significance, because although Lincoln may be the face of the United States, every person in the U.S. is still an American and this is what brings us all together.
Lincoln
1. Lincoln provides allusions and references to the Bible in order to create an ethical appeal. Lincoln uses the Bible to create unity between the North and the South of the U.S. He argues that we all read out of the same Bible and we all pray to the same God, so why must we fight against each other as if we are fighting our own brothers. This ethical appeal is effective due to the fact that especially during these time periods religion played a large role in the lives of many Americans.
2. In Lincoln's first inaugural speech he talks about slavery and a possible war that might come out of it. However, in the second inaugural speech he talks about the end of the war and the end of slavery. The longer first inaugural speech helps clarify the shorter second speech through its main focus on slavery and the civil war.
Whitman
ReplyDelete2) Whitman is surprised by Lincon's fondness for the theater. He says "I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (Whitman 494). When Whitman talks about "the stormiest drama" he is describing Lincoln's position of power and his duties and responsibilities as president that affect a whole country. He describes the smaller matters as "human jackstraws". These are smaller things such as art and affairs that aren't on a national level. Whitman observes that Lincoln still appreciates this part of his country despite everything he is a part of.
3) According to Whitman, a mutual loss such as the death of a leader or important figure gives that which was lost great significance among its people. Whitman says that "there is a cement to the whole people, subtler, more underlying, than anything in written constitution, or courts or armies - namely, the cement of a death identified thoroughly with that people, at its head, and for its sake" (Whitman 497). Whitman is saying that Lincoln's death made his impact on the people even greater. It made him "their first great Martyr Chief" (Whitman 498). Lincoln's death immortalized his message and his ideas among the people who experienced this loss.
Lincoln
1) Lincoln uses the bible because it is a powerfully persuasive tool. Because so many people followed the bible and considered it to be right, using the bible appealed to most of the population. Because religion was a strong part of most people's lives back then, having religion on his side allowed Lincoln to gain the people's support. He says "Both read the same bible, and pray to the same god; and each invokes his aid against the other" (Lincoln 538). He uses this quote to inspire tolerance nad to promote peace and understanding between opposing sides.
2) In his first speech, Lincoln talks about creating a "more perfect union". In this one he ends the speech by telling the people to "do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations" (Lincoln 539). Lincoln continues to talk about establishing peace and unity in both speeches.
2. I agree with what most other people have said about this question. Lincoln is the actor, and the play is history. Whitman says, “I remember thinking how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws..." (5-9). In addition, Lincoln’s love of theatre serves a second purpose, that of making him appear more human and average. The fact that he takes place in a such a common practice such as going to the theatre shows that he is on the same level as the common American. Everyone else has had the same opinion, and further elaborating is unnecessary.
ReplyDelete3. I agree with what Arun and Keyan said in answering this question. Keyan’s point that most nations can relate to having a leader killed is great. All the people that are listed including Lincoln did have an untimely death, which makes them similar. However, they have another similarity. All of these people were great leaders or important figures, and putting Lincoln with them show how important Lincoln was and is. Through his death, Lincoln can join these important historical figures who all met an untimely death.
L1) Lincoln makes allusions to the Bible for two reasons. Firstly, he is using Ethos to appeal to his audience. Most people of that time had the same religion, and by appealing to a common religion, Lincoln is able to have his listeners identify with him more. Secondly, he is trying to unify both the past Confederates and Unionists. He says that both groups "read the same Bible, and pray to the same God," establishing a common point between the two groups.
L2) I agree with Edwin that both speeches stress unity as important. While in his first speech, Lincoln discusses an issue that could divide the nation, in his second speech, he stresses unity and oneness as his main point. The first speech shows us what the country was split over, and the second speech attempts to fix that divide.
Whitman:
ReplyDelete(2) On the surface, Whitman expresses his amusement by the irony of Lincoln's interest in theater, stating, "how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely absorb'd in those human jackstraws" (494). Yet on a deeper level, similarities between the two situations are startlingly parallel. Whitman describes Lincoln's murder itself as if it were acted out in a similar manner to the play that was taking place at the time, asserting, "Had not all this terrible scene... been rehears'd, in blank, by Booth, beforehand?" (495). Through this extended comparison between Lincoln's life and the script from a play, Whitman points to the immense significance of Lincoln himself. The events of everyday life hardly ever merit presence in the plot of a play, but Lincoln's life was "the stormiest drama known to real history's stage" (494). Whitman even goes on to state, "When centuries hence... the leading historians and dramatists seek for some personage, some special event... those historians will seek in vain for any point to serve more thoroughly their purpose, than Abraham Lincoln's death" (497-498).
(3) Whitman generalizes Abraham Lincoln to all great men of all nations, stating, "The final use of the greatest men of a Nation... The final use of a heroic-eminent life - especially of a heroic-eminent death - is its indirect filtering into the nation and the race, and to give... age after age, color and fibre to the personalism of the youth and maturity of that age, and of mankind" (497). Arun made a good point here: that Whitman is conveying the belief that nations are defined by the "great Martyr Chief"s that impacted them, in this case Lincoln to the United States (498).
Lincoln:
(1) Lincoln references the Bible to support his belief that whoever is meant by God to win and end the war will do so, because "The Almighty has His own purposes" (538). He speaks of the contradiction of how "Both [sides] read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other" (538). These Biblical references then, appeal to the ethos of BOTH sides of the conflict and therefore make the most impact. Nearly everyone at this time period was of the Christian faith, and would have regarded the Bible as a respected and reliable source.
(2) Lincoln's first inaugural speech concerned keeping the Union intact. He spoke of the national worry of oncoming war, and insisted that a civil war must be avoided in order to maintain the United States' identity as a unified nation. In his second speech, he states that during the last four years, "Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came" (538). He looks back seemingly realizing that the war was inevitable, and now the focus must be on ending it through peaceful means. He states, "God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds" (539).
Lincoln
ReplyDelete1) Lincoln uses biblical allusions and direct quotations from the Bible in order to strengthen his arguments. He begins by saying that both the white man and black man “read the same Bible, and pray to the same God,” yet both call upon this same God to work against the other. He comments on how genuinely strange it is that even though God said “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground,” one man expects to receive the fruits of another’s labor and sweat (538). Lincoln continues by saying that if one does not judge the other, the other will not judge him. He believes this should be the basis of the relationship of the white and black man, and using the Bible to reinforce an argument that is frowned upon by many people helps his judgment. A vast majority of the people at this time knew the Bible, and Lincoln, by using a text that many people are familiar with, could gather more support. Instead of using vague political language, he uses a text that everyone can relate too, which only further validates his arguments and makes him more trustworthy.
2) In Lincoln’s first inaugural speech, he mentions a multitude of times that he believes he does not have the power to have an affect on slavery. Nothing is mentioned in the Constitution that allows him to change any aspect of slavery. Also, at this time, the Civil war hadn’t begun yet. There was only a sense of impending doom. Lincoln says, “One of [the parties] would make war…and the other would accept war….And the war came” (538). When the time comes around for him to say his second inaugural address, the war has already started and there is no way for him to avoid talking about the current social and political situations. Lincoln specifically declares that “there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first” (537). However, he is well aware that he must discuss the ills that afflicted the nation at this time.
Whitman
2) As Whitman begins to explain Lincoln’s fondness for the theater, he mentions his surprise at this fact. Whitman believes Lincoln to be the lead actor in the “stormiest drama known to real history’s stage,” and therefore finds it strange that he should be interested in a theater that is so much more artificial and silly (494). He abruptly declares when the murder of Lincoln occurred, and instantly chronicles his death as a wrinkle in the history of the New World. Additionally, Whitman remarks later that the murder of Lincoln seemed rehearsed, just like one of the plays he was watching. The scrambling after the gun shot is “a wild scene,” or even something directly out of a theater production (495). The chaos outside of the theater “made a fitting side-scene to the grand tragedy of the murder” (496). Lincoln’s life, or in this case death, is once again put into the context of a theater production.
3) According to Whitman, Lincoln’s death is far bigger than a national tragedy because of the manner in which he died. The citizens are all unified with a sense of nationalism, and the tragic way in which Lincoln’s life was ended can heighten that nationalism. Whitman says, “But Lincoln, his times, his death…belong altogether to our own, and are autochthonic” (497). Sarah Brennemen makes a good point about how the significance of how one feels toward a specific death has a lot to do with how it occurred. In the case of Lincoln, it was untimely.
Sarah Normoyle
ReplyDeleteWhitman
2. As many others before me have quoted, Whitman describes Lincoln as "the leading actor in the stormiest drama known to real history's stage" and is surprised that Lincoln should be interested in "silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). Whitman describes how he finds it "funny" that Lincoln, in the political world, is intellectual and serious but, in the world of this play, Lincoln is relaxed and loose, perhaps even "silly." Lincoln, as a president, embodies all of the qualities of the American spirit, the serious, hard-working side as well as the comical and joyous side. Whitman uses observation of Lincoln's fondness for the theater to show how Lincoln was truly the president of the people, embodying all of the qualities of the American identity. Whitman's observation humanizes Lincoln and places him directly in the world of his people. Whitman uses this moment to point out the similarities between Lincoln and his fellow people in order to show how he was not only relatable but also embodied the American ideal.
3. Whitman describes how Lincoln's has great significance, not only in America, but also "to the whole human race" (498). Whitman writes that the reason Lincoln has a more than national significance is because all these people have in common the need for some defining event that is "incisive enough to mark with deepest cut...to close that grogeous procession of European feudalism" (497). Lincoln, especially through his death, was able to create this long-hoped for event that put a mark in history. Lincoln was able to create an event in history that fed what people around the world craved: a way to create a new beginning by becoming the "first great Martyr Chief" (498).
Lincoln
1. Lincoln's references to the Bible are used to support his appeal to the universal ethos. He is hoping to unite the people of his country under the unifying belief in religion. As Keyan also quoted, Lincoln states, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God" (538). This line clearly calls out a connection between the north and the south. In addition, he says, "fervently we do pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass way" (538). By making the matter religious, Lincoln is hoping to unify his people under a common goal. Likewise, Lincoln quotes near the end "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether" (538). By quoting this line, Lincoln tries to bring his divided country together by showing how God is actually the ultimate decision maker of everything, and together, everyone obeys by his laws. Biblical references are important as a persuasive technique because religion, especially at this time, was a foundation in many people's lives. Religion also does not appeal to logos and therefore it needs no justifiable evidence or explanation behind it. Most importantly, religion was a unifying factor that could bring the divided country together. All knew the codes of religion and all could relate to these, no matter how religious they were.
2. Lincoln's first inaugural speech clarifies what occurred with the seceded states and how they felt about slavery and war. In his second inaugural speech, Lincoln quickly summarizes how the states felt about going to war four years prior in order to explain what happened after the fact. In addition, in his first inaugural speech, Lincoln clearly states that he believes he cannot interfere with the slave industry and explains his opinion on issues. However, in his second inaugural address, Lincoln does not state his opinions but rather tries to persuade his people to rally together. Also, in his second address, he makes on promises to his country, as he had already done so in his first address.
This is Mitch.
ReplyDelete2. Whitman explores Lincoln's fondness for the theater as a metaphor to the dramatic events in which his death was played out. He refers to the murder as a performance-like action, and asks: "had it not all been rehears'd, in blank, by booth, beforehand?" Throughout the piece, Whitman alludes to Lincoln's presence as if he were on a stage. He describes simply the presence of Lincoln silencing a generally rowdy and boisterous New York crowd, much like an actor would with a stage entrance. I think that although Whitman was obviously a great fan of Lincoln's, he, in a way, saw this as a somewhat fitting end to Lincoln's life, for it mirrored the theatrics of the stage, something that Lincoln loved quite dearly.
3. Through his death, Lincoln becomes a martyred leader. I think that because of Lincoln's status as a martyred leader, whitman believes him to transcend the image of a hero on the mere national level because he sees Lincoln as the first martyred hero of America as he compares Lincoln to the likes of Napoleon and Caesar. I find it interesting that Whitman doesn't allude to Jesus in these comparisons, but more of the greek epic hero, possibly a nod to anti-religious sentiments, for whitman does reference the fact that Lincoln was not very church -oriented.
1. Lincoln's biblical references are there to support his claim that the nation needs to heal its wounds and work in unity in order to survive. The allusions to God and the bible are simply there to please a predominantly Christian audience. There's not much else to it.
ReplyDelete2. Lincoln references his first inaugural address as a sign of humility. He admits that slavery still exists, and that a war has come from it. these are two things that he aimed not to let happen when he made his first inaugural address. In the context of the second address, most of the audience would have been informed on the subject of the previous one, and this humility would be much more obvious.
Lincoln:
ReplyDelete1. Lincoln uses biblical references to argue that slavery is wrong and that a civil war was necessary to end it. Lincoln quotes the Bible, saying, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh" (3). Lincoln then uses this quote in the context of the civil war when he says, " American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but...He now wills to remove...He gives to both North and South this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offense come" (3). Lincoln argues that God views slavery as bad and sends civil war as punishment. Using biblical references to prove his argument is effective because most people at this time were religious and therefore would not have argued over anything supported by the Bible. Also, using religion provides ethos for Lincoln.
2. Lincoln's first inaugural speech clarifies why Lincoln says, "at this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first" (1). When LIncoln first became president, his election was controversial because many people disagreed over the issue of slavery and an impending civil war. Therefore, he was required to address these issues in the first inaugural address. By reading the first inaugural address, references to it in the second inaugural address are cleared up.
Whitman:
2. Whitman's observation of Lincoln's fondness of theater serves the larger purpose of showing how lincoln is like the average American and therefore relatable. Whitman uses the phrase "human jackstraws" (9), which shows how unexceptional theater is compared to the idea of president. He also shows this when he describes "their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (9). By showing that Lincoln, compared to the pre-conceived notion of the role of president, is like the average person, Whitman shows how Americans can identify with Lincoln.
3. According to Whitman, Lincoln's death makes him significant to more than the citizens of the United States. Whitman speaks of "the cement of a death identified thoroughly with that people, at its head, and for its sake" (17). Lincoln's death is sacrificial in a way, because, as Whitman emphasizes in paragraph eight, on the day of Lincoln's death, the Civil War had just ended and everyone was in a celebratory mood. The circumstances of Lincoln's death makes a "dramatic death," which Whitman says is the "most important inheritance-value" of "every nationality" (18). Lincoln is important to people because of his death
Lincoln
ReplyDelete1. Lincoln references the Bible to provide a reason for the Civil War. He explains through direct quotes from the Bible that "Woe unto the world because of offenses!" 9538). Lincoln explains how God saw slavery as an "offense." Therefore, God feels he must punish the people, which he does by sending a civil war. The references to the Bible suggest a common and unifying belief among all the people. As Lincoln states of Northerners and Southerners, "Both read the same bible, and pray to the same God" (538). Also, the Bible references connect these people through their religion, and as they would probably believe the idea that there is punishment for sin as Lincoln evokes the Bible to explain it, the civil war then has an understandable cause and a good reason for occurring-to punish sinners.
2. In his first inaugural address, Lincoln talks about how he feels he cannot do much about slavery. Also, he describes how there is a feeling of a war soon to come, as the civil war had not started yet at that time. Additionally, Lincoln explains his opinions and views on these issues. Therefore, in his second address, he does not need to spend his time talking about this. Instead, Lincoln focuses on the civil war and a reason for it. The first inaugural address clears up references to it and why Lincoln does not mention every detail of his idea and his views. Since at the time of the second address, the civil war is the most important issue, Lincoln spends his time discussing it rather than discussing his views and ideas which he had already mentioned in his first address.
Whitman
2. Whitman describes Lincoln's fondness for theater. He explains that it seems a tad peculiar that this great man who is, himself, the main character in the play that is history, would enjoy "those human jackstraws, moving about with their silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and flatulent text" (494). This mentioning of Lincoln's enjoyment of the theater serves to show that Lincoln was a great man and to think that he enjoyed everyday, common things was so odd. Whitman also describes how since Lincoln was this "leading actor," deserved to be remembered as such and deserved a great amount of respect even posthumously (494).
3. Whitman believes that the reason Lincoln has more-than-nation significance is because he was assassinated as a great leader. The facts that he was killed when he was still in office and of course that he was a great man show how Lincoln is important and relevant across the border of countries. Lincoln's status as a "great Martyr Chief" is what gives him the ability to relate across nations (498). All, or at least many, countries have had some great leader assassinated and Lincoln is America's version of this. Lincoln can be significant to more than just American citizens, not only because he was an important president, but also because he was murdered, and not just murdered, he was murdered while in office.
-Sarah Milstein
2. In his perception of Lincoln's fondness of theater Whitman shows how Lincoln was a man of the people. In his analysis of Lincoln's murder Whitman comments on "how funny it was that he, in some respects the leading actor in the stormiest drama know to real history's stage through centuries, should sit there and be so completely interested and absorb'd in those human jackstraws, moving about with there silly little gestures, foreign spirit, and perfumes" (Whitman 10-14). In this passage Whitman is basically saying that it is odd for someone so important in world and national affairs to bring himself down to earth and relate to the people. His larger meaning behind this passage is that Lincoln could be extremely important yet be able to find time for the common American.
ReplyDelete3. The reason that Lincoln , in Whitman's opinion, was a great leader was the fact that he did something truly revolutionary and died for this act. Lincoln ended slavery in America and died for this reason. The very fact that he died for this cause makes him a martyr, a symbol. When people think of slavery and injustice and the great who have took a stand on this issue they will remember Abraham Lincoln.
1. At first Lincoln uses religious references to underline a unity between the north and south; however, as the speech progresses he begins to use it as a rational for a condemnation of slavery. "if we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove" (Lincoln 538). Basically Lincoln uses religion to justify war against slavery.
2. Lincoln's first inaugural address was more concerned about maintaining the union and keeping the united states together. this set up his second address in which he claims that war between the states is necessary. Due to the fact that his first address was condemning conflict it shows him as reluctant to engage in conflict, a fact that improves the ethos of his address.