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Jfk Inaugural Address Rhetorical Devices

600 Words3 Pages

Alysia Bamesberger
Rhetorical Analysis
January 20, 1961, the day that President John F. Kennedy gave his inaugural speech. The time that Kennedy took office, America wasn’t in the best position. They were lacking hope, confidence and power. With that being said, he had to use a mass of rhetorical devices that helped persuade the people of the United States, as well as other countries. Which lead Kennedy to convincing the audience using ethos, pathos, and logos.
Now by this point, Kennedy had already won the election, this was just an additional reason to support his trustworthiness. Yet, he is aware that not everyone is a fan of his party, which is why is begins with, “We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom.” Although that’s not the only area where ethos is use. In his speech he stated, “The belief that the right of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.” This merely means that he was chosen by God and won fair and square. It also means that if God chose him, then he was obviously made to be in office. Throughout his speech, he uses ethos which encourages the people to have faith in him because he is up for …show more content…

America had already sacrificed abundantly and Kennedy knew this, so he appealed to the emotions, or pathos. Kennedy identified, “Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” What he is trying to say is that the new generation is taking over, as well as the loved ones into war. In his speech he also addresses the young adults, considering they are the future. That touches the families and the veterans, but in the idea of fear. Another quote that backs this up is, “The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.” This means that the deceased veterans are watching from above, honoring

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