Rhetorical Communication - Essay Example

It is quite unusual to compare these forms of expression because they differ in purpose, appeal, argumentation, language usage, and eventually in literary devices presence. The most obvious difference concerns the aim of creation these two literary genres. Rhetoric always has a purpose, and its purpose is to persuade listeners in something. That is why despite the fact that Lincoln`s speech seems not to have obvious persuasion motive it is still aimed to influence the public in a certain way and provoke certain reaction.

Lincoln is going to become a President for the second time and in his speech he needs to sum up his previous work. Nevertheless, he still needs to look in future that is why in his rhetoric he aims to combine his experience at president`s post with his expectations regarding future. The main topic of his speech is Civil War, and unfortunately the discussion of this topic is painful and unpleasant for the nation but the President needs to do it. In the very first paragraph Lincoln touches the topic of Civil War and outlines vague mood of the nation regarding this issue: “The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all.

With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.” Further Lincoln briefly explains the situation, the reasons, and the negative consequences of the Civil War. Emily Dickenson as a poetess explores emotional side of the event and tries to demonstrate the War from her perspective of an ordinary citizen by examining the concepts of victory and defeat: Dickenson does not need to persuade someone in something, the aim of her poetry is self- discovery, deeper reflection, and expression of opinion on the topic.

However, it is possible to suggest that the purpose of the poetry is elusive as the purpose of art in general as it mostly