Exigence vs Context

Key Difference: Exigence vs Context

• Context is the larger setting in which the writing occurs, including historical, social, and cultural influences.

• Exigence is the immediate problem or event that pushes the writer to respond and act.

The Gettysburg Address (Abraham Lincoln)

• Context: The U.S. was in the middle of the Civil War, a conflict primarily over slavery and states’ rights, with high tensions between the North and South.

• Exigence: Lincoln was invitated to speak at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. This invvitation led directly to him writing the speech.  His purpose, however, was to honor the fallen soldiers and redefine the war's purpose—emphasizing national unity and the principles of liberty and equality.

George Bush's 9/11 Speech

Context:

• The speech occurred in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. The public, both in the U.S. and globally, was in a state of shock and fear, unsure of the full extent of the damage or the perpetrators’ motives.

• The broader context included ongoing international tensions, especially in the Middle East, and the U.S.'s role in global affairs.

Exigence

• Terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center and The Pentagon. 

• He had to respond to the fear and uncertainty by projecting strength and unity, emphasizing that the U.S. would stand firm against terrorism.