Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy's Inauguration

John F. Kennedy was a wild card, so to speak. He was young, an Irish Catholic, and had only captured presidential victory by a minimal margin. However, he had gained the power to make change. Unity was the primary goal of his campaign and time in office. The Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, Inside Kennedy’s Inauguration, 50 years on, and Inauguration of John F. Kennedy all were documented to preserve JFK’s legacy, or his move towards unity in a divided country. JFK’s Inauguration Address was direct, bold, and used figurative language to captivate his audience and indicate unity. Eleanor Cuft heavily utilized imagery to paint a vivid picture of this day, piecing together many diverse accounts. Lastly, the photograph portrays the emotions

JFK could appeal to the ethos of his political campaign, but he had no previous experience as president. Therefore, he directly presents his main idea subsequent addressing the necessary people. He states, “We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of people.” Most republicans would understandably be dejected because their candidate had been defeated. However, JFK attempts to appeal to the ideal of freedom, uniting all Americans regardless of which political party they support. Furthermore, JFK addresses another subject of split: poor versus rich. “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” Emphasis is put on the need for both the wealthy and those in poverty. Without aiding the one, the other cannot prosper. Powerful speech is also incorporated such as the “jungle of suspicion”. Also, Bold diction is exhibited, for instance, the terms liberty, loyalty, united, pledge, and peace deliver a firm message. These terms indicate that the move towards unity will also be absolute and firm. Because this speech was around the time of the cold war, and citizens desperately wanted unity, this direct and bold approach thoroughly conveyed Kennedy’s

The words cold, snow, frozen, are mentioned in great multitude. For example, the passage states “It was a day, 50 years ago, frozen in our memories.” Furthermore, the passage is eloquent, containing compound and complex sentences in an eloquent arrangement. While JFK was establishing his ethos in the speech, Cuft also utilized this appeal by mentioning celebrities such as Robert Frost, Frank Sinatra, and Kim Novak, all were in support of Kennedy. In addition, personal anecdotes were scattered throughout preserving memories of this day. Each is successful at indicating an important aspect of JFK and his success. For illustration, “She could remember how cold and dark and dank the mine was, and how the coal miners were so eager to meet them.” In context, JFK had gone to West Virginia in order to potentially win over the population there and had descended into one of the mines to interact with miners. This story recounted by Joan Kennedy illustrates his interest in all people; JFK thought it important to build a rapport with simple coal miners. Furthermore, stories regarding his age, racial tensions, and his intentions once in the white house are included to build the audience's knowledge and indicate the unity JFK wishes to achieve in so many divergent