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John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address Essay

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In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address (1961), Kennedy determinedly argues that because mankind has the potential to cause change in the world, that the world should collaborate to solve issues around the world. Kennedy supports this overarching claim by illustrating the responsibility that America is to take on and by exemplifying the roles other nations are to have in this movement. Kennedy’s purpose is to earn the approval and trust of the United States citizens and unite the world in this multilateral effort of bettering the world. The audience of Kennedy’s Inaugural Address includes the citizens of the United States as well as countries around the world including Russia. John F. Kennedy backs up his overarching claim by illustrating the …show more content…

Therefore, President Kennedy claims that America is to uphold the very foundation of the nation not only within the country, but on a global scale. He does this by subtly comparing America to John Winthrop’s “City Upon a Hill” in the third paragraph of the piece and in the end where he states, “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it - and the glow from that fire can truly light the world” (Kennedy 3). President Kennedy does this to show the citizens of America what they are capable of as well as to earn their trust after a close presidential election. Furthermore, Kennedy does this to unite the nations under a common cause. President Kennedy further illustrates America’s responsibility by using specific diction and syntax. By using parallelism, President Kennedy emphasizes the role that America is to have and what is to be accompished. For instance, President Kennedy passionately states, “We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose

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