JFK Inaugural Address Essay
Amy Verduzco
Mr. Blacklock
AP English
16 September 2014 For centuries, a president’s inaugural address has held profound importance, and is expected to be a memorable one. John F. Kennedy’s in particular, was one of the most touching and inspiring inaugural addresses in our country’s history and it continues to be analyzed in classrooms, articles, and on television today. His words gained the people’s confidence that he had a positive future in store for America, and his moving statements kept the attention on him captivated. His uses of rhetorical strategies caused his arguments to be emphasized as well as considered, and he was able to say so much without boring those listening. He not only demonstrated the commitment that he was willing to make for the good of America, but he also encouraged citizens to join him in his effort. Regardless of the many methods Kennedy used to create his outstanding Address, the tone in which it was told is the most powerful one he used to win the crowd and earn their respect. His use of tone is effective in achieving his purpose- that those witnessing the speech desire to unite with Kennedy and overcome the common obstacles that faced their country together. Kennedy reached his audience on a personal level when he addressed himself as an equal to the people and stated “we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” As he said this, he related to the people by showing them that they were all suffering the same hardships, and his tone is made sincere, serious, and willing in that he will do what he must for his people. The use of parallelism through the statement “Let both sides explore…” “Let both sides seek…” and “Let both sides unite…” also emitted an inspiring feel that ensured the people that he was in the fight for improvement with them, and prepared to do what it took for a better tomorrow. As he did so, he was
Mr. Blacklock
AP English
16 September 2014 For centuries, a president’s inaugural address has held profound importance, and is expected to be a memorable one. John F. Kennedy’s in particular, was one of the most touching and inspiring inaugural addresses in our country’s history and it continues to be analyzed in classrooms, articles, and on television today. His words gained the people’s confidence that he had a positive future in store for America, and his moving statements kept the attention on him captivated. His uses of rhetorical strategies caused his arguments to be emphasized as well as considered, and he was able to say so much without boring those listening. He not only demonstrated the commitment that he was willing to make for the good of America, but he also encouraged citizens to join him in his effort. Regardless of the many methods Kennedy used to create his outstanding Address, the tone in which it was told is the most powerful one he used to win the crowd and earn their respect. His use of tone is effective in achieving his purpose- that those witnessing the speech desire to unite with Kennedy and overcome the common obstacles that faced their country together. Kennedy reached his audience on a personal level when he addressed himself as an equal to the people and stated “we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” As he said this, he related to the people by showing them that they were all suffering the same hardships, and his tone is made sincere, serious, and willing in that he will do what he must for his people. The use of parallelism through the statement “Let both sides explore…” “Let both sides seek…” and “Let both sides unite…” also emitted an inspiring feel that ensured the people that he was in the fight for improvement with them, and prepared to do what it took for a better tomorrow. As he did so, he was