Question

analyze an author's use of rhetoric in a text

analyze the central idea of a historical American speech
analyze an author's choice in establishing and achieving purpose in a historical American speech
analyze the ways in which authors achieve different ends while writing about the same topic Complete the reading and activities in the lesson.
Check your understanding of important concepts.
Select one of these paired speeches to read, analyze, and evaluate:
On Slavery: John C. Calhoun and Abraham Lincoln

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

After reading and analyzing John C. Calhoun's speech on slavery and Abraham Lincoln's speech on the same topic, one can see the stark differences in their use of rhetoric, central ideas, and purpose.

Calhoun's speech, delivered in 1837, defends slavery as a positive good and essential to the Southern way of life. His use of rhetoric is designed to justify the institution of slavery as necessary for economic prosperity and social order. Calhoun employs emotional appeals, such as fear of slave uprisings and economic ruin, to persuade his audience of the necessity of slavery. His central idea revolves around the belief that slavery is a natural and necessary part of society, and that any attempts to abolish it would lead to chaos and destruction.

On the other hand, Abraham Lincoln's speech, delivered in 1854, condemns slavery as a moral evil and a violation of fundamental human rights. Lincoln's use of rhetoric is focused on highlighting the inherent cruelty and injustice of slavery and appealing to the audience's sense of morality and compassion. He employs logical arguments, such as the inconsistency of slavery with the principles of equality and freedom, to persuade his audience to join the anti-slavery cause. Lincoln's central idea centers on the belief that all men are created equal and that slavery is a moral stain on the nation's conscience that must be abolished.

In terms of purpose, Calhoun's speech seeks to defend the institution of slavery and preserve the social and economic order of the South. His goal is to prevent any attempts to abolish slavery and maintain the status quo. On the other hand, Lincoln's speech aims to rally support for the anti-slavery movement and ultimately abolish the institution of slavery in the United States. His purpose is to inspire change and push the nation towards a more just and equitable society.

Overall, by comparing and contrasting these two speeches on slavery, one can see how authors can achieve different ends while writing about the same topic, depending on their use of rhetoric, central ideas, and purpose.