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John F Kennedy Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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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

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