How Does John F Kennedy Use Metaphors In Jfk Inaugural Address

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“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do--ask what you can do for your country” (“John F. Kennedy -- Inaugural Address.”). As it is commonly known, this is one of the most iconic quotes in history. “Who and where is this quote from,” one may ask? Well, it came from the one and only: the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917; he was assassinated on November 22, 1963, unfortunately ("John F. Kennedy."). In his lifetime, Kennedy went to Princeton University, graduated from Harvard University, served in the United States Naval Reserve, became a senator, published a book that won the Pulitzer Prize, and became the President of the United States in that order ("John F. Kennedy."). …show more content…

With the use of metaphors, Kennedy can use words or phrases to represent an object or action symbolically and not literally; almost as if he were using similes without the like and as. Utilizing metaphors manifests what Kennedy has to say by having the audience understand better with comparisons. In his speech, he says, “master of its own house," which is an example of a metaphor (“John F. Kennedy -- Inaugural Address.”). The house, in the quote, represents the entire western hemisphere and the master represents the countries within the western hemisphere. While he was writing the speech, the entire world was essentially going through the Cold War, whether they were in it or affected by it. Kennedy is a firm believer of world peace, he wishes for all the countries to unite and form a strong bond; however, there are people who oppose such ways and are willing to conquer many other lands in search of power. With this information, the quote talks about the alliance that America has formed with “sister republics south of the border,” and how they are willing to protect and help them; they are their own rulers of their own countries (“John F. Kennedy -- Inaugural