Question
Here is the question : IN THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS, HOW LONG AGO IS “FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS”?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- 47 years
- 87 years
- 127 years
- 217 years
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
The phrase “four score and seven years ago” was used by Abraham Lincoln as the opening line of his address in 1863. Since a score is a unit of measurement equivalent to 20 years, Lincoln opened his speech by referring to a date that was 87 years in the past, specifically 1776, which was the year that the Declaration of Independence was signed.
In the iconic Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln famously referred to “four score and seven years” ago. This phrase, uttered on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, marked a pivotal moment in American history. By invoking the passage of time, Lincoln drew attention to the enduring principles upon which the nation was founded.
To understand the significance of “four score and seven years,” it is essential to delve into the context of the Gettysburg Address. The United States was embroiled in a fierce civil war, pitting the Union against the Confederacy. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought just a few months prior to Lincoln’s speech, had been a turning point in the war, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. The dedication of the cemetery served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the Union cause.
Lincoln’s address sought to honor the fallen soldiers and provide meaning to their sacrifice. He commenced by acknowledging the nation’s birth, stating, “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation.” By using the phrase “four score and seven years,” Lincoln was referring to a period of 87 years.
The phrase “four score and seven years” is an example of poetic language employed by Lincoln to emphasize the significance of the moment. A “score” refers to 20 years, so four score equates to 80 years. Adding seven years to that total brings the sum to 87 years. Lincoln’s choice of words was deliberate, as it corresponded to the Declaration of Independence, which had been signed in 1776, exactly 87 years before the Gettysburg Address.
By referencing the founding of the nation, Lincoln established a connection between the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the ongoing struggle for unity and equality. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by the soldiers on the battlefield were in pursuit of a vision that had been set forth by the nation’s founding fathers nearly a century earlier.
The phrase “four score and seven years” encapsulated the passage of time and the evolution of the nation. It served as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges faced in the pursuit of freedom and equality. Moreover, it highlighted the enduring nature of the principles upon which the United States was built.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, with its concise yet profound message, has transcended time and become an integral part of American history. The speech’s brevity, lasting only a few minutes, belies its impact and the lasting resonance of its words. By invoking the phrase “four score and seven years,” Lincoln imbued the address with a sense of historical continuity and reminded the nation of its shared heritage and the ongoing struggle for liberty.
The Gettysburg Address has become a touchstone for American ideals and values. Its enduring relevance lies in its call