rhetorical analysis essay on jfk inaugural address

Rhetorical Analysis of Jfk Inaugural Address

This essay about JFK’s inaugural address examines how he skillfully used rhetorical devices to establish credibility, evoke emotions, and appeal to reason. Through strategic deployment of ethos, pathos, logos, and various rhetorical techniques like parallelism and antithesis, Kennedy effectively conveyed his vision for unity, progress, and responsibility. The address serves as a timeless reminder of the power of persuasive communication in inspiring change and uniting a nation.

How it works

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address delivered on January 20, 1961, remains etched in the annals of American history as a seminal moment, where the power of oratory met the call for action. Through a meticulous examination of rhetorical devices, Kennedy not only painted a vision for his presidency but also summoned the collective conscience of the American people to embark on a journey towards progress and unity. Delving into the intricacies of JFK’s inaugural address unveils a tapestry woven with ethos, pathos, logos, and an array of rhetorical devices, all orchestrated to captivate, inspire, and propel a nation forward.

At the outset, Kennedy strategically wielded ethos, leveraging his newly-acquired presidential stature to forge a bond of trust and credibility with his audience. Through poignant references to his military service and his unwavering commitment to public service, Kennedy sought to portray himself not merely as a political figure but as a servant leader dedicated to the welfare of the nation. By grounding his ethos in humility and a shared sense of duty, Kennedy endeared himself to the American people, laying the foundation for the profound impact his words would have on the collective psyche of the nation.

Furthermore, Kennedy skillfully appealed to the emotions of his audience, employing pathos to evoke sentiments of patriotism, unity, and hope. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Kennedy painted a picture of a nation poised at the cusp of greatness, beckoning its citizens to rise above individual interests and embrace a shared destiny. In his iconic call to action, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” Kennedy tapped into the deep well of American idealism, stirring the hearts of his listeners and galvanizing them into action. Through the lens of pathos, Kennedy bridged the gap between rhetoric and reality, transforming his vision into a palpable reality for those who dared to believe.

Moreover, Kennedy employed logos to construct a logical framework for his vision, appealing to reason and pragmatism to garner support for his agenda. By delineating specific policy goals and articulating a clear roadmap for progress, Kennedy sought to assuage any lingering doubts and demonstrate the feasibility of his vision. Whether outlining his commitment to international diplomacy or championing the cause of civil rights at home, Kennedy’s appeal to logos served as a beacon of clarity amidst the tumult of political uncertainty, providing a sturdy foundation upon which his audience could rally behind.

In addition to ethos, pathos, and logos, Kennedy deployed a myriad of rhetorical devices to amplify the potency of his message. Through the strategic use of parallelism, Kennedy imbued his address with a cadence and rhythm that echoed the heartbeat of a nation united in purpose. By repeating phrases such as “Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us,” Kennedy not only underscored the importance of unity but also etched his words into the collective memory of the nation, ensuring their enduring resonance for generations to come.

Furthermore, Kennedy employed antithesis to juxtapose contrasting ideas and underscore the urgency of his message. In his impassioned declaration, “We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty,” Kennedy juxtaposed the notions of sacrifice and freedom, compelling his audience to confront the weighty responsibilities that accompany the blessings of liberty. Through the artful use of antithesis, Kennedy imbued his words with a sense of gravitas and moral clarity, leaving an indelible imprint on the collective conscience of the nation.

In conclusion, John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address stands as a testament to the enduring power of rhetoric to inspire change and unite a nation. Through the strategic deployment of ethos, pathos, logos, and a host of rhetorical devices, Kennedy not only articulated a vision for his presidency but also ignited a flame of hope and possibility in the hearts of the American people. As we reflect on JFK’s inaugural address, we are reminded of the transformative potential of words spoken with conviction and purpose, and the profound impact they can have on shaping the course of history.

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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — John F. Kennedy — Rhetorical Analysis of Kennedy’s Inaugural Address

Rhetorical Analysis of Kennedy's Inaugural Address

• Categories: Hillary Clinton John F. Kennedy

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Context and audience, appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos, rhetorical devices, impact and legacy.

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Rhetorical Analysis of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address

Introduction.

Stewarts (2004) suggested that Herbert A Wichelns influenced rhetorical studies since 1925 through his essay “The Literary Criticism of Oratory.” In this sense, oratory is considered naturally as statecraft but critics have almost always focused on “the minutiae of style and with whether a speech was “literature” (p 407). However, Wichelns also noted that while rhetorical criticism lie “at the boundary of politics” it was concerned audience impact and judgment over time instead of beauty or permanence (1925).

As such, the critic determines the speech impact through assessment of the situation – past current and expected future – “the audience, the speaker’s personality and public character, speech preparation, arrangement, style, ideas, motives, topics, proofs, judgment of human nature, and delivery” (Stewarts, 2004, p 408).

By 1954, Marie Hochmuth Nichol dissected the text of Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address and analyzed the rhetorical situation, press coverage, the president’s images from coast to coast, how the speech was done, its delivery as well as popular reaction, the purpose of the speech, use of language, argument and style. The speech became the focus.

This paper will try to discuss Rhetor, Audience, Context, and Critique John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural Address.

In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address delivered on 20 January 1961, his most famous line was spoken, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Instead of a divide, his speech sought unity and cooperation among nations, an active and vigilant citizenry, and togetherness in fighting tyranny, poverty, disease, and war. In closing, he said, “whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.” (American Rhetoric, 2009).

John F. Kennedy is considered a “crisis manager” who had to address a lot of events and issues that include: the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the building of the Berlin Wall, the Space Race, the African American Civil Rights Movement and early events of the Vietnam War. In summary, Kennedy discouraged commerce and trade with countries that plan to harm the United States, the Communists and supplying bombs to the middle east. Prior to being elected as President, he was congressman and then a senator, from a successful political family which produced a president, 3 senators and multiple representatives from federal to state levels.

In summary, John Kennedy was a good orator and delivered compelling messages of which was considered the best was his inaugural address. Faced with crises, he attempted to manage the crisis as well as “manipulate it to further political, social and philosophical agendas. As noted by Thomas Benson (2004), John Kennedy’s administration subscribed to Richard Neustadt’s book Presidential Power (1960) like a bible. The book states, that “…since the president’s only real power was the power to persuade, he had to manipulate each of his constituencies in order to use each for the manipulation of the other (p 9).

Many consider the inaugural address of Kennedy as iconic. It could be because there had been low esteem of the public for governance at that time: there was an escalating Vietnam War, an arms and space race, cold war, Cuban and missile crisis, among other issues that inflate insecurity of a nation that has established itself as the protector of freedom.

Kennedy was seen to have established his charisma and association with the media such as his involvement with the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) and the American Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA). He used press conferences and off-the-record briefings to his advantage (30). As compared to previous presidents, Kennedy spent more time not only with newspapers but also frequent live televised press conferences to the chagrin of newspaper journalists. There was a shift to television and news magazines as primary outlets for administration stories (A&M University Press, 2002).

The President’s address admonished a public of their capacity to “abolish all forms of poverty” as well as all forms of life or destruction, with “the rights of man” to have come from God. He admonished the public to safeguard and promote human rights and liberty all over the world, to do which is right, promote good deeds, a “request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction,” (American Rhetoric, 2009)

He has stressed the need to, “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,“ (American Rhetoric, 2009)

“Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah—to “undo the heavy burdens… and to let the oppressed go free,” (American Rhetoric, 2009).

The motives and actions of the inaugural address can only be interpreted in the days of the presidency of John Kennedy. Here, he had started to commit blunders. And as earlier noted, has started the use of persuasion and manipulation. In the Bay of Pigs invasion, its planning stage had the administration leaders faked to distance the United States from the invasion to make it look Cuban-led. It also tried to entice Fidel Castro to make the first strike to justify retaliation and invasion (Stewart, 2004).

Through the extensive use of mass media’s print and broadcast by Kennedy, the presidential rhetoric was viewed as “addressed to the press, through the press to the public, using materials written in public and behind the scenes by the press, and over the heads of the press to the public (A&M University Press, 2002).

The drama and popularity of the Kennedy family provided a big impact on the perceived importance of the 1961 Inaugural Address. His short presidential term stunted by an assassination doubled this human drama making it appealing to a wider and sympathetic global audience.

The sincerity of a speech may be glimpsed by its content and delivery which many delivering an inaugural address aspire to achieve. This may be achieved more than people could recall if they had listened or known of these addresses, or cared to know which obviously is a matter of choice, and a matter of media hype.

As noted throughout the essay, President Kennedy successfully gained the print and broadcast media to his side, making him known and “close” to the people he served. But in reality, he was a better orator than an administrator who has fed on the human leaning on drama and the hype of a media that was charmed. He had a good speechwriter.

Stewart, Charles J. (2004). “Back to Our Roots: The Library of Presidential Rhetoric.” Rhetoric & Public Affairs 7 (3), pp. 407-419

Murphy, John M (2000) Crafting the Kennedy Legacy. Rhetoric & Public Affairs, Volume 3, Number 4, pp. 577-601

Benson, Thomas (2004). Writing JFK: Presidential Rhetoric and the Press in the Bay of Pigs Crisis. A&M University Press

A&M University Press (2002). “Announcing the New Library of Presidential Rhetoric.” A Press Release.

American Rhetoric (2009). “John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address.” Web.

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Rough Draft: JFK Inaugural Address

This is a rough draft of my rhetorical analysis essay, which I chose to write on JFK’s Inaugural Address. Please let me know what you think of my essay so far!

Here is a link to the speech if you have not read it: http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres56.html

3 Comments on Rhetorical Analysis Essay Rough Draft: JFK Inaugural Address

Tara Zhuoyue Peng

It’s amazing that you chose this topic! JFK’s speech is so important and has been reiterated in classroom environments. So it’s great that you are analyzing his speech. You were able to tackle all the main points of rhetoric and did so with great writing!

Props to you for getting your essay done early! I love the topic and the actual essay is really well written. Kennedy was an amazing president and I think that your analysis hints at that perfectly. Great Job!

I did like your Essay because it is to the point and not excessively wordy. One critique is that the last sentence in the second to last paragraph is a fragment. It is not the best to start a sentence with “and”.

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Interpreting JFK’s Inaugural Address

About this resource.

Download this lesson plan , including handouts, as a pdf.

Goals/ Rationale

President Kennedy’s inaugural speech addressed not only the American people, but also people throughout the world—including newly independent nations, old allies, and the Soviet Union. In this lesson plan, students are challenged to consider how the speech might have resonated with some of these audiences.

Essential Question

How can a speech or public statement resonate differently with various audiences, depending upon their point of view?

Students will:

• discuss the significance of events leading up to Kennedy’s inauguration.
• analyze the inaugural address from three perspectives—a young civil rights activist, a Soviet diplomat, and a Cuban exile.
• evaluate the speech from one of these perspectives.

Preparation

Historical Background and Context

On January 20, 1961, a clerk of the US Supreme Court held the large Fitzgerald family Bible as John F. Kennedy took the oath of office to become the nation’s 35th president. Against a backdrop of deep snow and sunshine, more than twenty thousand people huddled in 20-degree temperatures on the east front of the Capitol to witness the event. Kennedy, having removed his topcoat and projecting both youth and vigor, delivered what has become a landmark inaugural address.

His audience reached far beyond those gathered before him to people around the world. In preparing for this moment, he sought both to inspire the nation and to send a message abroad signaling the challenges of the Cold War and his hope for peace in the nuclear age. He also wanted to be brief. As he’d remarked to his close advisor, Ted Sorensen, “I don’t want people to think I’m a windbag.”

He assigned Sorensen the task of studying other inaugural speeches and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to glean the secrets of successful addresses. The finely crafted final speech had been revised and reworked numerous times by Kennedy and Sorensen until the president-elect was satisfied. Though not the shortest of inaugural addresses, Kennedy’s was shorter than most at 1,355 words in length and, like Lincoln’s famous speech, was comprised of short phrases and words. In addition to message, word choice and length, he recognized that captivating his audience required a powerful delivery. On the day before and on the morning of Inauguration Day, he kept a copy handy to take advantage of any spare moment to review it, even at the breakfast table.

Having won the election by one of the smallest popular vote margins in history, Kennedy had known the great importance of this speech. Following his inaugural address, nearly seventy-five percent of Americans expressed approval of President Kennedy.

(all materials included in the downloadable pdf )

• Timeline of Cold War and civil rights events that occurred from January 1959 to January 20, 1961
• JFK’s inaugural address
• Three profiles of fictional individuals
• Provide students with the handout Timeline: Kennedy’s Inaugural Address which provides a chronology of Cold War and civil rights events that occurred from January 1959 to January 20, 1961. Discuss the historical significance of these events.
• Divide students into groups of 3-4.
• Provide each group with one of three profiles of a fictional individual responding to the speech: (a) a young civil rights activist, (b) a Soviet diplomat, or (c) a Cuban exile.
• Have students to analyze the inaugural address and answer the questions associated with their individual.
• Have students share their group’s response with the entire class.

For homework, have students role play the fictional individual and write a letter to President Kennedy voicing their reaction to the inaugural address.

Connections to Curriculum (Standards)

National History Standards - US History, Era 9: Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970s)

• Standard 2: How the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced domestic and international politics
• Standard 3: Domestic policies after World War II

Common Core State Standards

• ELA College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language
• ELA – Reading Informational Texts, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language, and Literacy in History/Social Studies for grades 9-10 and 11-12

C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards

• Discipline 2 - Applying disciplinary concepts and tools (History)
• Discipline 4 - Communicating conclusions and taking informed action

National English Language Standards (NCTE) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework

• USII.T5: United States and globalization
• WHII.T5: The Cold War Era, 1945–1991

Massachusetts English Language Arts Framework

• Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language

Additional Resources

Clarke, Thurston. Ask Not: The Inauguration of John F. Kennedy and the Speech that Changed America . Henry Holt and Company, 2004.

Hershberg, Jim. Introduction. “’A Typical Pragmatist’”: The Soviet Embassy Profiles John F. Kennedy, 1960.” Cold War International History Project Bulletin 4 (Fall 1994), 64-67. (Soviet document provided by Vladislav M. Zubok, National Security Archive, translated by Benjamin Aldrich-Moody.)

Hill, Kenneth L. Cold War Chronology: Soviet-American Relations, 1945-1991 . Congressional Quarterly, Inc., 1993.

Sorensen, Theodore C. Kennedy . Harper & Row, Publishers, 1965.

Tofel, Richard J. Sounding the Trumpet: The Making of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address . Ian R. Dee, Publisher, 2005.

John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

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Summary: “president john f. kennedy’s inaugural address”.

Almost a million people in Washington, DC, endured freezing temperatures to catch a glimpse of newly elected US President John F. Kennedy delivering his inaugural address on January 20, 1961, as he was sworn in as the 35th US president. Like all presidential inaugural speeches, Kennedy’s sought to set a tone for his administration and define his vision for the country. Unlike other inaugurals, however, Kennedy’s has become a touchstone document in US political history. Speechwriters and scholars continue to study and admire the text for its eloquence and for the vision of hope it articulates.

This guide uses Voice of Democracy’s online version of the text , which contains numbered paragraphs. In addition to this version, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum offers a video of the speech.

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The speech contains three main sections, each using a different rhetorical strategy and highlighting a different theme. In the first section, Kennedy grounds America’s present in its past (Paragraphs 1-4). He emphasizes that his election proceeds from principles announced by America’s founders: “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution” (Paragraph 4). He stresses the need for the US to continue its commitment to the principles that have guided the nation since its founding. He expresses this continuity by saying that “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans” (Paragraph 4). By developing the theme of Historical Continuity , Kennedy establishes his rhetorical ethos , or his implied moral character, as belonging to a noble tradition of which he seeks to be worthy.

Kennedy then turns to his vision for America’s role in the world (Paragraphs 5-20). Here, he advances his overarching theme: Globalism . He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting peace , touting the importance of America’s leadership and its responsibility to promote freedom and democracy. In addition, he speaks about the need to reduce tensions between the US and the Soviet Union. Urging a world free from the threat of nuclear war, he says, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate” (Paragraph 15). Unfolding the theme of Globalism , Kennedy outlines the rhetorical logos of his vision. His message, simply stated, is that we all share this planet, our actions affect others, and we must all work together to improve instead of destroy the earth.

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In the third section of the speech, Kennedy sounds a rousing call to implement his program (Paragraphs 21-28). Repeatedly interlinking the interests of nations, he proposes making the whole world safe for democracy: “And the glow from that fire can truly light the world” (Paragraph 25). He calls on Americans to work for a more just and equal society, one that lives up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. He speaks about the importance of economic development and the need to address poverty and inequality. He underscores the importance of individual liberty and the need to promote human rights everywhere—and he uses pathos or emotional appeals to amplify the value and price of freedom. Most famously, he says, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” (Paragraph 25). This line—and its call for US citizens to take an active role in shaping the nation’s future—has come to stand for Kennedy’s presidency as a whole.

Kennedy gave the address against a historical background defined by the Cold War struggle between the US and the Soviet Union. During the presidential campaign of 1960, he warned that American prestige had waned and that American global leadership seemed in doubt. Just two weeks before he gave his inaugural address, Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev gave a speech vowing to support communist revolutions in the developing world. Kennedy therefore hoped that his address would demonstrate American resolve in a “long twilight struggle” for freedom (Paragraph 23).

Speechwriters and political analysts have praised the speech as a rhetorical masterpiece. Although Kennedy welcomed and incorporated input from speechwriters and others, he largely composed the speech himself, writing on napkins and other bits of paper as ideas came to him. Kennedy achieves sophisticated effects by using simple but abstract terms—peace, power , progress . Through repetition , he achieves a grand, epic tone, evoking great leaders from the past. By alluding to Bible passages (Paragraphs 19 and 23) and adverting to God (Paragraphs 2, 3, and 28), he conveys moral authority.

The first Catholic—and the youngest—elected president in US history, Kennedy did not live to see how influential his inaugural address would become. An assassin’s bullet killed him on November 22, 1963. Nevertheless, in the inspiring tone and vision for the future outlined in his inaugural address, Kennedy framed the initiatives that defined his presidency and set the country’s idealistic direction in the 1960s. That this speech became a manifesto for US citizens of widely disparate perspectives—antiwar activists and Green Beret commandos, countercultural “hippies” and establishment rocket scientists—suggests that the text appealed to something basic in the American soul.

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Jfk Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis

When observing the use of anaphoras, people argue Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech is more impactful than John F. Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address”. However, JFK is more direct with his point and has a stronger persuasive point for unity. John F. Kennedy uses anaphora strategically in his “Inaugural Address” to express the unwavering importance of national unity. By using the powerful phrase “to those,” coupled with specific groups of people, he effectively personalizes his message and ensures that it resonates with the intended audience. By addressing the “old allies” of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy conveyed that the USA would not isolate itself from any challenge. Similarly, when he passionately speaks about the …show more content…

JFK uses these strong personal lines to establish a deeper connection with the audience, as they are specifically called out. Through the use of this rhetorical device, JFK not only enhances the persuasiveness of his unity message but also shows a more direct approach to conveying it. JFK uses very straightforward and uncomplicated language in his anaphoras, for example, “Let both sides” repeated over again makes it easily comprehensible and more direct. He openly acknowledges his affiliation with the Democrats and Republicans, urging them to address any problems and formulate solutions that are accessible and everyone can …show more content…

employs them even more effectively. Some believe that the use of anaphoras in Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech had a greater impact than in John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address. The anaphoras given by MLK create a fostering of unity within the African American community, influencing the white population to be more accepting and willing to bridge the gap between the two. His anaphora “I have a dream,” serves as a prime example of the gathering of African Americans and the whites. With the use of southern states, he paints a picture of what an ideal life should be like “Red hills of Georgia.sit down at the table of brotherhood,” yet as he does this he excludes so many other areas where racism is present. Although MLK’s word choices are impactful in some instances, for example skin color “will not be judged by the color of their skin,” what about the people who are faced with discrimination for their religious beliefs? His word choices have spots where they are impactful, but what about when he uses harsh language like “vicious racists”? If his goal is truly uniting the two opposing sides, and eliminating racism, why would he describe these people as

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Jfk Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Presidential Inaugural John F. Kennedy uses anaphora, calls to action, and appeals to ethos to achieve his purpose of creating freedom and peace in the world. Kennedy uses anaphora multiple times throughout his speech. The major uses being “let both sides” and “to those”. He uses these phrases at the beginning of the sentences to intensify his ideas. The repetition of “let both sides” puts sincere meaning behind the idea of forming good relations with the Soviet Union and working along the path to world peace. This idea will also stick better in the minds of the listeners because of the number of times it was used. John F. Kennedy was elected in the middle of the Vietnam War and the Cold War . The country had a very low morale at that time so Kennedy made calls to action to stir the American people’s patriotism. To make peace and end war the people have to support the government. Kennedy wants to end the Cold War but the American people hated the Soviets. He …show more content…

Because he was the youngest president at the time and the election results were close he uses a lot of ethos to build his character. Kennedy gives himself a benevolent likable side by telling people who are “struggling to break the bonds of mass misery” that he will lead the United States to help them. In contrast to this he also gives himself credibility of strength by stating that under his leadership the United States will do anything necessary to “assure the survival and success of liberty”. Using quotes from the Bible and referencing God, Kennedy furthers his ethos and backs up his ideas as well. He also gains more ethos by including himself with the people in his statements to show that he doesn’t view himself as better than them. Throughout his inaugural address John F. Kennedy uses anaphora, calls to action, and appeals to ethos to gain the peoples support in spreading freedom and peace around the

Rhetorical Analysis Of Jfk Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy will always be remembered for two things; his triumphant inauguration and his tragic assassination. After being sworn in, Kennedy gave the traditional inaugural speech. He addressed America, as well as the rest of the world, to inform them what his intentions were during his presidency. By referencing current events such as the Cold War, he was able to identify dilemmas in need of a remedy. Kennedy's overall message was meant to inspire his nation and convey strength and hope to the world abroad. At the beginning of his speech, Kennedy condensed his message. He stated the problems in need of fixing during his presidency while also proposing solutions for them. By doing this, Kennedy was able to evoke confidence from Americans that he will follow through with his claims. Kennedy used anaphora, allusions, and emotional appeal to create an effective argument in the first half of his inaugural speech.

Jfk Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis

President Kennedy always wanted above average and never wanted to settle for good, but for greatness. His inaugural address was his first step into greatness. He was a firm believer in unity and being together as one in this country. Throughout his short, but successful presidency, he shows how important togetherness is to make the country strong. January 1961, John F. Kennedy became the 35th president of the states and was giving his inaugural address. John F. Kennedy’s pathos, logos, and repetition in the speech allow the American people to be eager for his presidency and allow them to see the changes he foresees for the country during his term.

Rhetorical Analysis of JFK's Inauguration Speech Essay

The Kennedy family was very popular and had well-known moral standards, so it is no surprise that in John F Kennedy’s inaugural speech there were constant examples of ethos, in which he appealed to the audience through moral values. His moral standpoint became apparent as he mentions God and doing the right thing.

JFK uses anaphoras all throughout the speech as a way to establish a connection with the common people. This intelligent approach works because anaphoras base themselves off of repetition of a beginning phrase such as we; therefore JFK's use of the repeated words we, fellow, our, and both sides causes any person listening to feel connected with the president. This only adds to JFK's purpose of trying to unite America towards a singular positive goal because the people feel as though the new president is one of them; and the new president will have their best interest at hand. Moreover, JFK proves this with his statement, "...we dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution." This not only unites the people but creates a call for action to unite like the founding fathers. This furthers the sense of equality created through anaphoras because it establishes that everyone shares a connection through their ancestors. By connecting to the founding fathers, and to people themselves, JFK keeps a

Kennedy rarely implements statistics or numbers to build ethos. Instead, he uses his fame and affirming words to build credibility. Having been elected into office, it is a safe assumption that he was already widely accepted as a credible source. He also establishes ethos in the way he portrays himself. Ethos is not built from only a title, but from the verbiage that JFK used admirably. He was well aware of the fact that not everyone supported him or the party he was associated with, and by opening his speech with “We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom…”(JFK Library), JFK is able to discard any hostility toward his political opponents, appealing ethically to the opposing viewers. He then goes on to address these opponents by stating, “We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them

One of the most influential presidents in United States history, John F. Kennedy was a brilliant politician and public speaker. In his inaugural address, he sparked hope around the world by discussing the hardships faced by all of society in the present time and then leaving them with a message of freedom, power, and hope. This measure of impact is not achieved easily; Kennedy masterfully utilized the art of rhetoric to emphasize his message and win the hearts of his people. In the middle of the speech, he discusses the dangers of the modern world and his drive toward international peace and cooperation. These messages are stressed through his use of charismatic language to signify his vision of a new and better world.

Pathos In Jfk Inaugural Speech

President Kennedy conveys to the audience about the subject of unity through the rhetorical device known as Ethos. An author that is credible or well-known is likely to persuade an audience into believing his argument, as this is what ethos essentially is. Throughout the speech Kennedy addresses numerous topics and goals he has in mind during his time in the oval office. The result of this speech leads to Kennedy’s legacy being world peace due to the countless mentions of peacetime within the speech. Kennedy mentions the topic of peace in hopes of gaining the support of Americans due to the extreme

Jfk Inaugural Speech Rhetorical Analysis Essay

For instance, parallelism such as the statement, “whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, hear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe,” gives flavor to the speech by pointing out opposite words within a single sentence but still making it work. A few antimetaboles are used in the speech, such as “let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate” and “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” make the speech more effective by twisting around the order of the words, or syntax, to get people to realize a point. Additionally, what makes Kennedy’s speech so effective is that he can transition from a simple sentence to a more complex, meaningful one in a matter of lines of the speech. In accordance to the diction, the words in his speech (freedom, poverty, devotion, and loyalty) are considered abstract. This is because they all convey a tone of desire and significant qualities held by friends. They strengthen and add more feeling to the speech as well. However, the archaic words, such as writ and forebears, are used in a manner to bring in the old language as well as the new, therefore there is sophistication as well as understanding. Kennedy also uses juxtaposition when he says, “peaceful revolution,” and this adds spice to the speech because of the contradiction of the two powerful words. Yet

Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Jfk Inaugural Speech

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, arguably one of our greater presidents in our nation’s history, was assassinated on a Friday in the early stages of winter in 1963; however, he had accomplished much more than a man with lesser courage could have in his services to our country. One of President Kennedy’s most memorable actions while in office, actually took place very early on in his presidency; his Inaugural Speech in January of 1961. When attempting to motivate our citizens, Kennedy speaks of our citizens being “tempered by war,” and “proud of our ancient heritage,” he very successfully appeals to the emotions of his audience. Furthermore, his use of ethos quite effective when he speaks of

Kennedy begins his speech expressing how “the world is very different” from what it used to be. He uses multiple rhetorical strategies that express and describe how he is going to lead their “very different” country by providing his audience with a sense of community. For example, Kennedy applies juxtaposition to his phrase, “United there is little we cannot do… Divided there is little we can do…” to compare what America can and can’t do when everyone is united. During the time when Kennedy was elected president, the Cold War was at peak of its period. He bravely announced that “we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty,” using the rhetorical strategy asyndeton. He uses this particular mechanism to attract his audience and give emphasis to the ideas he wants to communicate. He starts the phrase off with “we,” as he wishes to convey to his listeners that we are going to pay any price, that we are going to bear any burden, that

Essay on John F. Kennedy Inaugural Speech Analysis

Syntax helped Kennedy achieve his purpose as well. He used short paragraphs to get his point across. For example “And, so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Think of how famous this quote has become! The short sentences make more of an impression. They express more emotion. Complex sentences are also used in this speech. They allow feelings to be built up in sentences. He uses opposites in this speech a lot. For instance, “Never let us negotiate out of fear. But let us ever fear to negotiate.” This shows he has considered all counterarguments and knows exactly what he wants to achieve while in office and that he is as qualified as any other politician to be the next president of the United States.

One of JFK most famous quote from his inaugural address is , “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” Through the use of diction and anaphora JFK is able to hype up the audience improving his approval to 85%, the highest of any president. JFK used a series of anaphora to recap his plans for the future and inspire Americans to contribute to their country to make America great again. Not only does this pertain to Americans, he also encourages the world to come together to work towards achieve peace and freedom. Through his whole speech he provide hope and light in a time of dark disparity that is it possible to achieve world

Rhetorical Analysis Of President Kennedy 's Inaugural Speech

Politicians often use language to both persuade and imperceptibly control the opinions/decisions of their audience: whether it is to gain their support, to present their point, or implant their principles. It is of utmost importance to them to do this subtly, in order to not come across as too aggressive, intimidating or manipulative. As a result, the politician has to use language that is relatable, informative and understandable but also persuasive and strong.

Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy 's Inaugural Address

Kennedy’s use of anaphora emphasises the idea of coming together and moving forward. Anaphora is shown

Rhetorical Analysis Of Jfk Speech

In the first part of his speech, JFK pledges to the world how the U.S will help them to achieve peace and freedom, he makes his purpose effective by establishing his credibility. Then, he continues on to further appeal to emotions with a tone of strength and inspiration, using imagery and repetition. Beginning his speech, Kennedy first establishes his credibility to the audience by alluding to the Declaration of Independence. First, Kennedy mentions that he will continue to follow the oath that his ancestors took “ a century and three quarters ago”. By applying this allusion to the Declaration of Independence, J.F.K. assures the audience that his point will be well researched.

Related Topics

• United States
• President of the United States
• John F. Kennedy
• Soviet Union
• Lyndon B. Johnson

John F Kennedy Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis

Show More On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered a powerful and moving Inaugural Address to thousands of people across the nation. The Cold War, which divided the globe, was a leading topic from the start of the 1960 election. The United States and the Soviet Union alike threatened each other with nuclear weapons as they raced for power. People all over the world feared of intentional as well as accidental mass destruction from those nuclear weapons. President Kennedy knew people were afraid of what the nuclear age would bring and that division was a global problem, so by using compelling diction as well as anaphora, he hoped to inspire the nation to bring peace and unity during the nuclear age. President Kennedy’s compelling diction …show more content… Using only fear-invoking diction would create a mindset of vulnerability and weakness. However, President Kennedy did not want that; He wanted to motivate citizens into taking action so that they may end the tension created by the Cold War. President Kennedy’s shift in diction begins when he states, “In your hands, my fellow citizens…will rest the final success…of our course” (464). Instead of mentioning self-destruction of the world and implying helplessness, President Kennedy put responsibility into the hands of the citizens. He hoped the people of the United States would feel a sense of accountability if they were to fall into war. This new sense of responsibility further created a desire to restore peace and unity. In addition, President Kennedy reminds citizens of the foundation of their country: freedom. He states, “ask…what together we can do for the freedom of man” (464). By using the words “together” and “freedom,” President Kennedy generates a sense of patriotism. This patriotism in turn makes the citizens of America want to preserve their freedom as well as their country. As a result, people would want to join the movement in bringing peace in order to keep the freedom Americans already have. In his final paragraph, President Kennedy further highlights patriotism by using two words in particular: “strength and sacrifice” (465). These two words …show more content… Repetition seemed to be his way of making sure his claim was clearly understood by his listeners. Towards the middle of his speech, President Kennedy begins his paragraphs with similar phrases such as, “To those old allies…To those new states…To those people…” (463). He addresses everyone whom he wants to pledge to individually, since he pledges different ideas for each group. By addressing each group individually, President Kennedy shows that everyone is needed to bring peace and unity to the world, not just the Soviet Union. World peace is a global issue, and he knew everyone must take a part in restoring it in order to achieve it. Shortly after this anaphora, President Kennedy uses another one to emphasize his claim of unifying both hemispheres. He begins the following paragraphs with the phrase “Let both sides…” (464). Again, he uses this repetition in order to stress his claim of unity. The repetition allows him to emphasize that peace can only be achieved if both sides work together. President Kennedy knew that achieving peace was a two-way street, where both sides had to cooperate in order to avoid mass consequences. President Kennedy uses repetition to stress the need for unity not only the between the United States and the Soviet Union, but the entire world to avoid possible warfare and

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