Rhetorical Analysis: JFK's Inaugural Address

Rhetorical Analysis: JFK’s Inaugural Address On January 20, 1961 the 35th president of these United States, John F. Kennedy spoke some of the most memorable and moving words in history. He is often considered one of the most legendary, progressive and peace-loving leaders this nation has ever seen. In his inaugural address, President Kennedy utilized many tools typically used in rhetorical or persuasive writing. As in any inaugural address by new presidents, he took full advantage of the three forms of rhetoric in addition to other literary tools in efforts to convince United States citizens that he’s going to be the best president that he could be. President Kennedy opens his speech by establishing credibility, “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.” This excerpt is to let the American people know that he is not trying to fool them, and that he has a lawful responsibility to them as did the Presidents before him. He is trying to communicate that he is attempting to maintain the morals and ideas that this nation was founded upon. A bit later, he begins to capitalize on the emotions of the people, relating himself to them, identifying with them by using words such as “we” to show the people that he’s not just “the president”, he’s a citizen of the country himself. This is where he begins using pathos, “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, 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, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.” Throughout Kennedy’s speech he uses emotionally charged words to draw in the American public and better help them relate to the subjects