Rhetorical Analysis Of Remarks Upon Signing The Equal Pay Act

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Fifty years ago, President Kennedy gave a speech addressing the new law passed. He uses various rhetorical devices to show the audience that this act will be play a key part to creating harmony in America’s society. In JFK’s speech, “Remarks Upon Signing the Equal Pay Act”, he uses parallelism, hortative sentences, and syntax to make his claim that women should no longer be discriminated against through pay. Firstly, JFK uses parallelism to show support for women. He frequently mentions his idea by saying, “It is extremely important that adequate provision be made for reasonable levels of income to them, for the care of the children which they must leave at home or in school, and for protection of the family unit” (par 4). This emphasis of the concept shows that he stands in solidarity with women and their efforts to be treated as …show more content…

JFK begins his proposal for change by saying, “We also need the provisions in the tax bill that will permit working mothers to increase the deduction from income tax liability for costs incurred in providing care for their children while the mothers are working” (par 8). His words encourage citizens to think about what the country still needs. This unites the audience and creates a goal that JFK intends to fulfill to increase the quality of his citizens’ lives. Along with that, he establishes ethos because he uses “we” as a way to refer to him and Congress. He also says, “It is for these reasons that I believe we must expand day-care centers and provide other assistance which I have recommended to the Congress” (par 6). This statement tells the audience that he has the power to regulate certain things throughout the nation. The “we” is used to represent the trust and partnership that him and Congress share. The hortative sentences bring the country together with intentions to reach a goal that JFK has