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Rhetorical Analysis of Kennedy's Inaugural Address

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Rhetorical Analysis of Kennedy's Inaugural Address
Rhetorical Analysis of Kennedy’s Inaugural Address

A newly elected president in America will typically address their goals during their inauguration ceremony. John F. Kennedy arguably gave one of the most compelling Inaugural Addresses in history. He effectively achieves his purpose by the end of his speech. Kennedy strives towards advocating unity throughout the country. John F. Kennedy approaches his Inaugural Address with the intent to unify the country through his use of anaphora, asyndeton, and metaphors.

President Kennedy’s use of anaphora is effective in uniting the United States of America. Anaphora is shown when he says, “not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need- not as a call to battle, though embattled we are,” (Kennedy, 54). Kennedy repeats in the beginning of each phrase, “not as a call to”, in order to gather all Americans; he tells the world that they are prepared for any war or hardship because they have the strength of unity on their side. President Kennedy effectively achieves his purpose by using anaphora to accost American citizens that in order for the United States to overcome any problem, the people first need to join hands. Anaphora is used in a series of consecutive paragraphs. In paragraphs sixteen to nineteen, each repeat at the beginning, “let both sides”. This use of anaphora uses the word, “let”, in order to give a less aggressive tone and call people to action. The repetition of the words, “both sides”, refers to the divided United States. When Kennedy repeats the words, “let both sides”, it helps to achieve his purpose by emphasizing how important it is for the country to unite in order to move ahead. Kennedy uses anaphora when he says, “ let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth,” (Kennedy, 53). By saying this, Kennedy effectively advocates unity by telling all citizens of the U.S that they have the strength to overpower any burden when everyone is on the same page.

Kennedy’s use of asyndeton is

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