Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy's The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis, written by John F. Kennedy, depicts a man’s determination towards uniting a nation during an unsettling period of human history. During a thirteen day period from October 14 to October 28, 1962, the Soviet Union installed nuclear-armed missiles on the island of Cuba capable of striking a number of major cities in the Western Hemisphere. Through his condemnatory tone, credible sources, and use of metaphors, the author proves that society must unite against a common enemy. Kennedy calls upon the people to stand together against their adversary as he highlights the deceitful acts of the Soviet Union through his condemning tone. He depicts the actions of the Union as a “deliberate deception” to show how the Soviets cannot be trusted as their tricks are a “definite threat to world peace” (Kennedy 2). The author’s repeated use of word “clandestine” through phrases, such as a “clandestine decision”, serves to further denounce the Soviets in the eyes of the nation. The author

As the speech progresses, Kennedy continually refers to the words of the “Soviet Government” (2). The author’s repeated use of the phrase, “I quote” (2), as he addresses the nation proves the earlier statements, in light of the current events, as lies. Kennedy goes onto mention “Mr.Gromyko” (2), who spoke to him personally regarding the Cuban situation. As Gromyko’s statements are later revealed as false, Kennedy provides the nation with an individual to view as the enemy and not only the abstract concept of the Soviet Union. The author also recalls the lessons the “1930s taught” as he alludes to the atrocities committed and warns of their reoccurrence with the hesitation of uniting to take action against the Soviets (3). The words of the Soviet Union assists in proving Kennedy’s words regarding the need for society to fight as