Rhetorical Analysis Of Jfk Inaugural Address
JFK’s Message
John F. Kennedy is one of the nation’s most popular and recognizable presidents of the 20th century. Kennedy is most famous in his presidency for his powerful and inspiring speeches. His positive energy and young yet wise personality made him easy to listen to for all audiences. In fact, on January 20th, 1961 John F. Kennedy delivered one of the most remembered speeches of all time; his inaugural address. At a time of racial tensions, economic hardships, and lingering fears of war, he strived to bring comfort and confidence to the American people. In order to achieve this, Kennedy understood and addressed the need for dire changes to be made for the good of the country, through the involvement of the people. Therefore, Kennedy …show more content…
At one point, many of his lines began with “Let both sides…” which was then succeeded by a suggestion or warning. By using the repetition of this phrase, he was able to emphasize the need for each side of the nation to coalesce together. When these phrases are constantly repeated, the audience can better understand JFK’s purpose. Kennedy uses repetition again, when he repeats the phrase “To those…” After this phrase he states a noun such as allies, new states, people, sister republics, world assembly, and nations. Each time he uses a different noun to introduce a new part of his argument. In one instance, he uses anaphora in an attempt to appeal to the patriotic emotions of his audience: “…we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends… we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.… we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required.” (Kennedy). Emphasizing “we pledge” shows the proudness and vigor he had for his country and also the importance for the nation to work together as one. The use of repetition kept an echo of the important words JFK wanted his audience to embrace and remember. Kennedy used repetition well to further demonstrate his purpose to unify the
John F. Kennedy is one of the nation’s most popular and recognizable presidents of the 20th century. Kennedy is most famous in his presidency for his powerful and inspiring speeches. His positive energy and young yet wise personality made him easy to listen to for all audiences. In fact, on January 20th, 1961 John F. Kennedy delivered one of the most remembered speeches of all time; his inaugural address. At a time of racial tensions, economic hardships, and lingering fears of war, he strived to bring comfort and confidence to the American people. In order to achieve this, Kennedy understood and addressed the need for dire changes to be made for the good of the country, through the involvement of the people. Therefore, Kennedy …show more content…
At one point, many of his lines began with “Let both sides…” which was then succeeded by a suggestion or warning. By using the repetition of this phrase, he was able to emphasize the need for each side of the nation to coalesce together. When these phrases are constantly repeated, the audience can better understand JFK’s purpose. Kennedy uses repetition again, when he repeats the phrase “To those…” After this phrase he states a noun such as allies, new states, people, sister republics, world assembly, and nations. Each time he uses a different noun to introduce a new part of his argument. In one instance, he uses anaphora in an attempt to appeal to the patriotic emotions of his audience: “…we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends… we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.… we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required.” (Kennedy). Emphasizing “we pledge” shows the proudness and vigor he had for his country and also the importance for the nation to work together as one. The use of repetition kept an echo of the important words JFK wanted his audience to embrace and remember. Kennedy used repetition well to further demonstrate his purpose to unify the