In the early 1960s, America was faced with turmoil and controversy regarding many issues especially the battle against communism. In the wake of a new presidential election, the U.S.A needed a strong and reassuring leader to take the reigns of the nation and guide it to safety. With a very close margin, that responsibility fell upon the 35th president, John F. Kennedy, who was labeled as too young and not ready. In his Inaugural Speech as president, JFK uses many rhetorical strategies in order to to convey his purpose and persuade the audience. His sharp-witted use of diction such as abstract words, figures of speech, and archaic language, along with syntax made up of short passages with hortative and imperative sentences allow him to achieve …show more content…
JFK knew how important this speech is and chose his words very meticulously conducive to the current situation in the nation and world. His first concern was to reach out to his American citizens, and he did that using abstract words such as “freedom”, “loyalty”, “sacrifice”, etc. Not only are they easy to talk about, but abstract words are also easier to stay general than getting into specifics. They are more difficult for people to oppose and set a strong tone for the speech that Kennedy sets out for. JFK continues on laying out a strong persona with the figure of speech saying, “Bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe.” creating a pattern of connecting and bringing together to symbolize how he wants the citizens of America and other democratic nations to face the threat of communism joined together as a “beachhead of cooperation” to push back “the jungle of suspicion”. In conjunction with the other use of diction, Kennedy also uses archaic diction like “forbearers” to further initiate the effect of patriotism and nationalism pride in the citizens of America. He uses that to his advantage and continues on to start asking those same people take