House Divided Speech: Fear Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)

Quote #4

In what cases the power of the states is so restrained by the U.S. Constitution, is left an open question, precisely as the same question, as to the restraint on the power of the territories was left open in the Nebraska act. Put that and that together, and we have another nice little niche, which we may, ere long, see filled with another Supreme Court decision, declaring that the Constitution of the United States does not permit a state to exclude slavery from its limits. (84-85)

Once again, the combination of the Dred Scott decision and the Kansas-Nebraska Act have, in Lincoln's words, created a situation rife with problems. What precisely is the threat that Lincoln is describing here?

Quote #5

Of strange, discordant, and even, hostile elements, we gathered from the four winds, and formed and fought the battle through, under the constant hot fire of a disciplined, proud, and pampered enemy. (122)

Although a bit more hopeful and motivational than most of the other parts of his speech, this end quote uses descriptive language to create an image of the Republicans fighting against the wealthy pro-slavery tide. Words like "battle," "hot fire," and "enemy" are meant to give the audience a sense of accomplishment, but also imply there was something super-scary to vanquish in the first place.