During a presidents inauguration speech they are to state what their intentions and hopes are as the new president of the United States. As it is their first speech as the president it is very symbolic and can often reflect on what their term make look like. John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln did just that during their speech and spoke very similarly. Throughout their speeches they very similar and different approaches when speaking to the citizens of America for their first time as president, and both speeches have made a mark in history. John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address was one of his most famous speeches due to his impactful and inspiring words after becoming president from one of the smallest percents in history. To this day people refer to Kennedy’s speech showing just how impactful it was. Throughout his speech he uses many rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallel structure, pathos and more in order to persuade the audience and gain …show more content…
While using strategies such as parallel structure and ethos to enhance his ideas and statements he continues to keep a hopeful and inspiring tone during the rough times in America. Abraham Lincoln uses the appeal of ethos during his speech when referencing the Bible and religion. “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God 's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men 's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged” This strategy showed the similarity between the north and the south at the time and his theological thinking towards the issues at the time. “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” Which is one of the most recognized quotes of the speech showed a common theme between the two speeches. It helped show his idea for what America can