Rhetorical Analysis Of John F Kennedy Inaugural Address

On January 20, 1961, the 35th president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, delivered the shortest but one of the most memorable inaugural addresses in history. Kennedy uses the speech not only to accept his presidency, but also to unite the United States with the rest of the world. He utilizes emotional and logical appeals to persuade the audience that together, they can accomplish so many goals. He also connects to other parts of the world by explaining that together, we are all humans and we are one. Kennedy’s sentence structure and the use of rhetorical devices permeated throughout his speech creates a powerful and effective message to the audience and will forever be remembered as one of the most effective speeches. John F. Kennedy persuades the audience to unify in order to accomplish the major problems they were facing during that time period. There were many hard times and issues: poverty, division, lack of freedom, and lack of peace. Kennedy affirms that “we are the heirs of that first revolution,” meaning that the new generation will lead America to a new meaning of freedom. President Kennedy uses the rhetorical device chiasmus “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” to show that American citizens help the country in their own way, and a difference would be made. According to Kennedy, a
In his speech, President Kennedy states, “Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.” Kennedy contributes the rhetorical device anaphora throughout that part of his inaugural address to deeply express his feelings towards unification. He also emphasizes the desire for hope--hope that the world can come together and overcome the problems facing the