Question

read the excerpt from lincolns second inaugural address.

each party looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. 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 gods assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other mens faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. the prayers of both could not be answered. that of neither has been answered fully. the almighty has his own purposes.

which statement best describes lincolns use of rhetorical appeal?

he relies on pathos to stir listeners anger and outrage.
he uses logos to explain the historical significance of war.
he relies on pathos to reveal his own conflicted emotions about war.
he uses ethos to illustrate the similarities between north and south.

Explanation:

Analyze the excerpt for shared values and common ground

The excerpt highlights that both sides "read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other." By emphasizing these shared religious practices and moral foundations, Lincoln establishes a common ethical ground (ethos) between the North and the South rather than dividing them.

Evaluate the rhetorical appeal

Lincoln's appeal to shared religious texts, prayer, and a common God serves to build credibility and a sense of shared humanity/morality (ethos). This illustrates the deep similarities and shared cultural/spiritual foundations between the North and the South, aiming to unite rather than inflame passions.

Match with the correct multiple-choice option

• Option 1 (pathos to stir anger) is incorrect; Lincoln's tone is unifying and reflective, not anger-inducing.
• Option 2 (logos to explain historical significance) is incorrect; the focus is on shared spiritual practices, not logical historical analysis.
• Option 3 (pathos to reveal conflicted emotions) is incorrect; the primary function of this passage is to draw a parallel between the two sides.
• Option 4 (ethos to illustrate similarities) is correct because invoking shared religious values builds a common moral authority (ethos) that unites both sides.

Answer:

• He relies on pathos to stir listeners' anger and outrage.
• He uses logos to explain the historical significance of war.
• He relies on pathos to reveal his own conflicted emotions about war.
• He uses ethos to illustrate the similarities between North and South. (Correct answer)