The JFK Inaugural Address RHETORICAL DEVICES The JFK Inaugural Address MAIN MENU APPEALS SPAM Themes

S P A M Main Menu

SPEAKER John F. Kennedy - 35th President - Roman Catholic Became President during the Cold War His simple diction was easily understood by Americans

PURPOSE Introduce his tactics for presidency Vividly explain the world at that point in American history To motivate Americans to defend freedom and Democracy Promote patriotism as well as international support

AUDIENCE Not only citizens of America, but citizens of the world. In the beginning of the speech, JFK addresses the previous Presidents and Vice Presidents JFK advises Communists to see the benefits of Democracy

Speech that was given at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. MEDIUM Speech that was given at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. - Televised, which allowed JFK to be more direct with the audience and make a good first impression as President

RHETORICAL DEVICES Main Menu

ANTITHESIS Contrast or opposition which is emphasized by parallelism. Purpose: To educate the reader of more than one possibility. - To accommodate the small mandate. Effect: - Pathos Example: “Symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change.”

ALLUSION An indirect reference to any person, place, or thing Purpose: - Biblical reference to Isaiah Effect: Ethos: Builds credibility - Pathos: If it’s in the Bible, it must be true. Purpose: Biblical reference to the Romans - Readers believe that we are constantly living out God’s plans Example: “…the command of Isaiah– to ‘undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free’.” “…year in and year out, ‘rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation’…”

ASYNDETON Purpose: Example: To stress importance The omission of conjunctions where they would normally be used. Example: “…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.” Purpose: To stress importance Strong emotional reaction Effect: - After reading this statement, other countries will know that the U.S. will do anything to preserve its freedom.

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of the line. ANAPHORA Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of the line. Example: “To those old allies… we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.” “To those new states… we pledge our word…” “To those people in huts… we pledge our best efforts to help them…” Purpose: - To draw attention - To elucidate that he will be giving and caring to all types of people Effect: - Pathos, or an emotional effect because the reader feels obligated to take part.

HORTATIVE SENTENCE Example: “So let us begin anew… Purpose: Exhorts, advises, calls to action. Example: “So let us begin anew… Let both sides explore what problems unite us… Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals… Let both sides seek to invoke the wonder of science… Let both sides unite to heed…” Purpose: To acknowledge many options To politely persuade Effect: - After reading Kennedy’s list of his plans, he convinces the reader to take part.

RHETORICAL QUESTION Example: Purpose: A question to which no answer is expected. Example: “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?” “Will you join in that historic effort?” Purpose: To strengthen the argument - To provoke a response Effect: - Reader believes that they, like everyone else, are obligated to participate

CHIASMUS The second half of a phrase reverses the order of the first half. Purpose: - To concentrate attention on the main point of a passage by placing it at the central turning point. Effect: - Draws meaningful contrasts - Aids in memorization Example: “Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.” “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Main Menu

APPEALS OF RHETORIC

E T H O S “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed…” - Kennedy is now credible and hopes to continue the work of past Presidents. “I do not shrink from this responsibility– I welcome it.” - Kennedy has a positive attitude on the situation and has America’s best interests at heart.

P A T H O S Kennedy’s varied use of rhetorical devices makes Pathos the most represented appeal. The use of Biblical allusions, anaphora's, and rhetorical questions convince the reader to side with Kennedy. Because of his low mandate, Kennedy used antithesis to appeal to and represent the thoughts of everyone in America.

L O G S “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” - Logical cause and effect: If citizens show their loyalty and devotion to America, then Democracy will be preserved. Main Menu

CLASS THEMES

Kennedy touches on “The American Dream” when he speaks of the ongoing challenge of stopping Communism and working with other countries (“Let us begin anew…”) - “And this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days; nor in the life of this Administration; nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.” These powerful lines express the hope, effort, and time that must be contributed to reach the American Dream.