JFK inaugural Address
Rhetorical Analysis on JFK’s Inaugural Address
Majority of the people know the eminent line “ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country” (Kennedy). That is indubitably one of the most well known segments of his speech, however, there are other parts that made it memorable. He knew he was not only speaking to America, but other countries as well. His speech keeps the audience both focused on what is important and understanding of the point he is trying to make. He sought to send a message to the nation about the Cold War and his hope for peace along with his desire to inspire the nation. Throughout his speech, President John F. Kennedy uses parallelism, ellipsis, and antithesis to display to the audience that he was ready to be president and take on its challenges.
Of the many rhetorical devices that President JFK used in his speech, parallelism was perhaps the most effective. The repetition of “Let both sides” amplifies his wants for unity and peace. His first use of “Let both sides” begins with talking about unity not division. As Kennedy repeats this for the second and third time, he includes how all countries should come together rather than to stand alone and take part in wars against each other. The world should succeed and prosper as one. President John F. Kennedy focuses on the idea of unity and peace throughout his speech. With those two factors, the world can undertake great things without the need for war, tension, or other harmful actions towards opposing countries. In the beginning of his speech Kennedy is willing to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe”. This shows his willingness to fight for what he wants for the country: liberty, peace, unity. There are numerous forms of parallelism in JFK’s speech; however, there are few which have become infamous and recognizable immediately.
Kennedy’s speech is short and to the point, making it very effective. JFK had
Majority of the people know the eminent line “ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country” (Kennedy). That is indubitably one of the most well known segments of his speech, however, there are other parts that made it memorable. He knew he was not only speaking to America, but other countries as well. His speech keeps the audience both focused on what is important and understanding of the point he is trying to make. He sought to send a message to the nation about the Cold War and his hope for peace along with his desire to inspire the nation. Throughout his speech, President John F. Kennedy uses parallelism, ellipsis, and antithesis to display to the audience that he was ready to be president and take on its challenges.
Of the many rhetorical devices that President JFK used in his speech, parallelism was perhaps the most effective. The repetition of “Let both sides” amplifies his wants for unity and peace. His first use of “Let both sides” begins with talking about unity not division. As Kennedy repeats this for the second and third time, he includes how all countries should come together rather than to stand alone and take part in wars against each other. The world should succeed and prosper as one. President John F. Kennedy focuses on the idea of unity and peace throughout his speech. With those two factors, the world can undertake great things without the need for war, tension, or other harmful actions towards opposing countries. In the beginning of his speech Kennedy is willing to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe”. This shows his willingness to fight for what he wants for the country: liberty, peace, unity. There are numerous forms of parallelism in JFK’s speech; however, there are few which have become infamous and recognizable immediately.
Kennedy’s speech is short and to the point, making it very effective. JFK had