LogosAlthough there are moments here and there where Lincoln waxes a little poetic in the "House Divided" speech, really he's doing his bestest to prove his point through cold, hard evidence, so hi...

SpeechThe thing about speeches is that you have an audience who can't read what you're saying—especially in the pre-PowerPoint days. That means, in order to do a good job, you have to keep the pe...

Concerned, DeterminedThe basic tone of the "House Divided" speech is, "The end is nigh! But we'll definitely win." (Which is also the tone of most superhero movies when you think about it.) Lincoln...

Logical…With An Occasional Poetic MetaphorIf you've ever tried to convince a group of people that there's a conspiracy to spread slavery to the entire United States, then you'll know how importan...

There wasn't a real official title for this speech—it was Lincoln's response to being nominated as a senatorial candidate. It's always been known as the "House Divided" speech, though, referencin...

We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated with the avowed object and confident promise of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitati...

The result is not doubtful. We shall not fail—if we stand firm, we shall not fail. Wise councils may accelerate or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later the victory is sure to come. (124-126)Th...

(5) Tree LineLincoln helpfully lays out his thesis in the first paragraph of the "House Divided" speech, and it's pretty clear what his argument is. He also goes through the evidence for his argume...

In-Text ReferencesHistorical ReferencesThe Kansas-Nebraska ActDred Scott v. SandfordThe Lecompton Constitution (38, 44)The Election of 1856 (28-32, 43, 65-66)The Chase Amendment (22-23)This amendme...

Lincoln delivered copies of the "House Divided" speech to newspapers for publication, but since the copy was handwritten, some papers messed up the opening paragraphs. When he gave the speech, he h...