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A Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy's Speech

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Nicholas R. Cortez AP. Language Friday, October 7th, 2016 Rhetorical Analysis Paper John F. Kennedy, one of the past presidents of America, is also one of the last Presidents to fully write his own speech. This being truly fantastic, also leaves room for the more personable tone of Kennedy 's speech. For example, his tone is very teacher like, or peremptory, and over the course of the whole speech, he also shows prodigious word diction, and also unbelievable syntax. However, I personally would like to allude to his values and presupposition on his own thoughts over biblical beliefs and his choice of imagery words and phrases. John F. Kennedy was one of the last presidents to fully write his own speech, and after his time, the president …show more content…

Another amazing thing Kennedy choses to do, is indirectly refer to god, at least most of the time. Kennedy, being the first Catholic president, has a difficult time in his run for office due to one major opinion: that he will break the barrier that lies between church and state. Although he mentions god directly in certain parts, as in line 2, “We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom – symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.”, He also decides to allude to a biblical standpoint, and only those who read the bible would understand. For example, he chooses to talk about oppression in general, and quotes directly from the old testament. From his exact words in line 19, when he says “Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah – to “undo the heavy burdens…and to let the oppressed go free.” To anyone not familiar to the bible, they might be somewhat confused; However, to someone

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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.

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According to the JFK Library, our 35th president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was the first Catholic president, the youngest man to be elected as president and also the present who died the youngest. These factors may have all had an effect on his speeches, and could play a role in what makes him so memorable. He was recognized by many as young and charming, and as a president who would bring optimism and change to the country. His unexpected assassination made a huge impact on the world, which could make him and his speeches even more

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Also, he is stating to never be afraid and figure out ways to face them. By doing this, Kennedy left a greater impact on people by making his speech more

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This is when he asks the audience for a prayer for King’s family, America, and so on. A prayer is usually a sign of hope. With this, Kennedy is easing the people’s mood because he is pointing out in these bad times, there is still hope. This is very effective as it is helping to calm the audience’s shock and maybe anger. Therefore, using repetition for both getting the audience ready for the tragic news and giving them hope helps in establishing the

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