'Ask Not' Analysis

Anecdote | Generalisations | Emotive Language | Inclusiveness | * | | * “…that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage…” * Uses emotive words ‘hard’ and ‘bitter’ to carry negative emotions that convey the idea that they are more free now * Bitter and hard means distressful and difficulty * Effect: pulls the audience in and gets them to relate to the idea | * “…we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change.” * Uses ‘we’ so he doesn’t discriminate anyone, takes advantage of their emotions * Makes audience feel like they are all free * Effect: makes audience feel a part of a community, like they have power, relates with them | * | | * “And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe…” * Uses forebears to connect with the older audience * Effect: emotional persuasion, old audience can relate to the president therefore encourages them | * | * | | * “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution” * Reminds the audience that they are ‘heirs of their country’ * Effect: makes the country seem like a powerful and father-like nation which appeals to them | * |

Alliteration | Assonance | Anaphora | Antistrophe | | * “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” * The repetition in the same vowel sound in nearby words gets the idea stuck into their heads * Effect: encourages the audience to make a difference and join in in doing something to help the country | | |

Repetition | Allusion | Metaphor | Simile | * “We pledge the loyalty of faithful friends…we pledge our word…we pledge our best efforts…” * Emphasises the