1. The JFK Inaugural Address
RHETORICAL DEVICES
The JFK Inaugural Address
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APPEALS
SPAM
Themes

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. RHETORICAL
DEVICES
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8. 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.”

9. 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’…”

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.”
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15. APPEALS OF
RHETORIC

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.
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19. CLASS
THEMES

20. 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.