ipl-logo

John F Kennedy Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis Essay

1526 Words7 Pages

When John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1961, the United States was amidst the Cold War, and the threat of atomic war was on everyone’s mind. John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech aimed to reassure Americans that the state of the world is change through unity. Through a neo-Aristotelian lens, his speech is extremely effective. The purpose of neo-Aristotelian criticism is to establish the goals of the rhetor and to determine if the rhetor used the most appropriate means of persuasion. John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States, born into a wealthy, educated family. In addition, Kennedy was the first president born in the twentieth century. This affects his character as a rhetor because he symbolizes a new generation …show more content…

In his speech, Kennedy highlighted that his goal was to bring change as a leader, and addressing the USSR, did not want to continue in the Cold War. As an inauguration speech, Kennedy’s goal was to inform the country, as well as the world, of his intentions as a leader. The first instance of Kennedy using rhetoric to meet this goal is through his use of ethos, pathos and logos. Using these Aristotelian proofs allowed him to evoke the intended response, from the immediate audience. Kennedy’s use of ethos and pathos makes the audience feel a strong bond to him, as they are all of a new generation, which implies that they can bring change. The bond created by using Aristotelian proofs allowed Kennedy to fulfill his goal of gaining the audience’s trust. Kennedy’s most prominent rhetoric method was seen in his word choice. His use of repetition persuaded his global audience because he shows that he has something to offer to his broader audience and that his pledges to other countries are such that one promise does not trump another. In addition, Kennedy’s speech’s impact is seen in that it lead to the creation of the Peace Corps. Kennedy was able to ignite a desire for unity and for making “God’s work [their] own”. Kennedy’s iconic “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” demonstrates the rhetorical strategy chiasmus, as well as the long term impact of his speech on

Show More
Related
639 Words | 3 Pages

Kyle Seager Dr. Restivo AP English Language and Composition 4 November 2014 JFK Rhetorical Analysis President Kennedy inspires the American populace through his figurative language and uplifting tone. President Kennedy employs a wide array of rhetorical techniques to inspire the American population. Kennedy wastes no time in building up to these techniques; on the contrary his first actual sentence of the speech employs antithesis in the line "symbolizing an end as well as a beginning- signifying renewal as well as a change. "

Read More
632 Words | 3 Pages

In the 1960s America had just gotten out of a war and Rising tensions with the Soviets we expected to get into another one, along with that John F. Kennedy just got elected, this is what he has to say. It was 1961 when Kennedy gave his inaugural speech, it was practically oozing with rhetorical strategies. Kennedy new kind of state Country was in, so with this speech he needed to comfort the people of America, he does this by using rhetorical strategies ethos, pathos, logos. First we will evaluate the ethos / logos.

Read More
1817 Words | 8 Pages

In his speech Kennedy uses different rhetorical devices to unify the citizens of both the United States and the world. Kennedy was giving this speech after winning by a very small margin of votes so he was trying to unite the people of the United States and show he was the correct choice for the president. This speech was given during the Cold War so he was trying to connect the people around the whole world and establish peace. Kennedy was able to unify the people and try to establish peace while at the same time making himself seem like a very competent leader. In his speech Kennedy tries to build his credibility as a personable leader by creating ethos.

Read More
606 Words | 3 Pages

Amna Mansha Mrs. Hoffman AP Language and Composition 27 September 2017 Rhetorical analysis of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural address In his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy not only reassures America’s existing allies of his support, but through his use of unique sentence structure, repetitive diction, and rhetorical strategies, Kennedy also helps inspire Americans to feel a sense of unity and patriotism. Kennedy’s purpose is to get Americans to rise up to a new level of commitment to the nation.

Read More
630 Words | 3 Pages

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” With these words, John F Kennedy marked his presidency as one of communal dedication and sacrifice. A year later, in the midst of a recession, steel companies raised prices by 3.5% at the cost of its workers and the public good, inciting a public outcry against corporate greed. In stride with the people, John F Kennedy’s response vindicated their anger, reinforced unity, and called out for the steel companies’ reform through contextualization of the steel companies’ actions, powerful logos defining their motivations, and an overarching pathos that villainizes these actions, and reinforces the patriotism of his listeners.

Read More
1141 Words | 5 Pages

In fact, Kennedy accomplished his goal and is still remembered today, as the best speech ever written and delivered. Kennedy presents his speech with strong Aristotelian appeals of ethos, pathos and the stylistic devices of alliteration and antithesis. Kennedy accomplished what every speaker strives for and surpassed it by capturing the hearts of the audience and inspiring the people’s trust. Ethos is a very important rhetorical device in speeches because it establishes a sense of credibility and trustworthiness with the audience. Ethos permits the audience to feel a sense of trust that is missing in some people’s speeches.

Read More
469 Words | 2 Pages

The first persuasive technique Kennedy gave was pathos. He uses pathos in his speech to connect with his audience. He uses this rhetorical analysis to make Americans feel emotional and supportive of the surrounding nations. To connect to emotions he says, “To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends”.

Read More
836 Words | 4 Pages

John F. Kennedy, the president of the United States in 1961, gave an inaugural address in the cold winter during January. This was a landmark speech that was intended for the American people and both political parties in order to unite America into one again. The main purpose that the speech served was that Kennedy was trying to inspire with confidence that they can do anything if they’re united together. The main subject of the inaugural address was about World Peace for the “New Age.” Kennedy used rhetorical devices such as the antithesis, alliteration, parallelism, and metaphor in order to capture the audience’s attention.

Read More
987 Words | 4 Pages

On January 20th, 1961, our 35th president, John F. Kennedy, delivered his nationalistic “Inaugural Address” giving the United States an opportunity to realize that every day is another celebration of freedom for our country. The pensive speech depicted not only an end, but also a bright beginning to our everyday society. The main focus point for John F. Kennedy's speech, the “Inaugural Address”, was to introduce peace to any problematic situation that came across humankind. When there was a problem in the United States or an international trouble, there was always a resolution to the conflicts that faced America. In addition, while competing through war against enemy countries or racing to end global hunger, John F. Kennedy was the optimistic

Read More
366 Words | 2 Pages

John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in 1961 was a powerful and thought provoking speech that touched on the values and principles of freedom, democracy, human rights, and unity. The purpose of this speech was to inspire and unify the American people, as well as to signal to the world the intentions and values of the new administration. Throughout the speech, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of freedom, stating that it is a fundamental right that comes from God, not the government. In acknowledging the power of an individual to shape the world, Kennedy challenges his audience to take responsibility for the betterment of society and to work towards the common good. This message helps reinforce Kennedy's call for unity and cooperation, both domestically

Read More
597 Words | 3 Pages

The power of persuasion is one that has proved its influence all throughout the history of humanity, convincing the masses to think as one body. This talent is not without practice or order however, even those talented with influence must be organized and eloquently sew their words together to prove a point. Only arguments that can appeal to all are able to be successful. In President John F. Kennedy’s Speech “Peace Speech”, examples of Aristotle's Modes of Persuasion are used. Kennedy uses the appeal of his credibility (Ethos), emotion (Pathos), and logic (Logos) to support his argument against war.

Read More
555 Words | 3 Pages

John F. Kennedy, a honorable President , influences lots of people. He was the 35th president of the United States. He influenced people because of his speeches and of his accomplishments to the USA. He promoted programs, jobs, and more to people so that they can be satisfied. He was one of the best president in all history that wanted other countries and the USA to improve.

Read More
587 Words | 3 Pages

As President Kennedy enters office he gives an speech on the celebration of freedom; symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning of a new nation. Kennedy rises for the opportunity for persuasion after his inauguration has been addressed and he scarcely beats nixon. President Kennedy uses his authority for persuasion to bring the american people together under his power. The president uses the experience of war,poverty,and the desire for peace to develop an emotional appeal between the U.S and the world population. In this speech Kennedy uses ethos,pathos,logos,as well as other rhetorical devices to convince the audience.

Read More
593 Words | 3 Pages

Lastly Kennedy states, “ My fellow citizens of the world; ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” In this famous quote from Kennedy’s inaugural speech, he says that together, the people of America can do

Read More
977 Words | 4 Pages

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” was one of the first things Kennedy said as a president. He also asked the nations of the world to join together to fight what he called the “common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.” President Kennedy was leading the country off to a great start. He and his family brought a youthful spirit to the White House that was never seen before. While celebrating American history, culture, and achievement, the Kennedy’s invited writers, artists, scientists, poets, musicians, actors, and athletes to visit them.

Read More

More about John F Kennedy Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Open Document