JFK Inaugural Speech Rhetorical Analysis

Kennedy addresses the importance of unity while sharing his youthful energy and future goals that can be attained through unison between nations.  A prominent theme throughout the speech was the need for unity in order to attain a peaceful state for the world rather than it being a warzone. To further demonstrate he uses an anaphora to address all the different audiences, as a result unifying the audience as they all share the same purpose. He makes a different pledge to each to signify the importance of unification amongst America and other countries. In the first one, he uses an inversion, “United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do,” to stress the fact that we must retain our old allies, if we want to succeed. He pledges to unify with those who don’t share the same viewpoints. He further pledges to help the ones in Russia who are suffering because of communist ideals, not because it’ll strengthen their fight against communism but because it is morally right. Not only this but the recurring word “pledge” is placed wherever Kennedy is about to make a promise. The word has a positive connotation because it is stronger than a promise and it gives a sense that it is coming from the heart. Promise nowadays is an everyday term, but the use of pledge shows Kennedy’s youthful energy through his dedication and focus into achieving his goals. Throughout he establishes a confident and sincere tone, that illustrates his youthful energy and commitment to help others who are victims of communism while uniting with other nations to end the “mass misery” and “chains of poverty: while indirectly stating his future goal, world peace. Kennedy’s strongest use of parallelism was in paragraphs 14-17 where he used an anaphora “let both sides.” He calls for unity in the hortative sentence, “Let both sides explore what problems unite us… Let both sides, for the first time; formulate serious and precise proposals… Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of is terror… Let both sides unite to…” The combination of parallelism and an anaphora places the importance of unity between both nations as well as a call of action to end this ongoing war that’s only proving to be destructive. He uses logos by stating the logic behind why wars should be avoided. Particularly when he explains, “Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide use,” he presents a solution which is working together rather than working against one another where no one is benefitting. Also the arrangement of the sentences he first states what should be done to stop this mayhem and then states about the negative aspect of continuing it, emphasizes the significance of dwelling on what should be done. His youthful energy is seen through his activism and call for action where he stresses the fact that the solution to the problem is not war, but peaceful negotiations. He states his goal and look for the future which is unity and peace between America and other nations.

Moreover, he shares his youthful energy to inspire Americans to contribute to their country and in result achieving a nation being the best of its capabilities. Notably, he used a zeugma, “Now the trumpet summons us again – not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though as embattled we are – but a call to bear a burden…” (2). The zeugma functions to make his request less demanding, but rather encouraging so it would provoke American citizens to do something for their country, such as joining the military. It inspires the audience by saying the trumpet summons us again, thus creating patriotic feelings. This tie in with the antimetabole he uses, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Due to the syntax it sounds inspirational. The fact that the phrase starts off with a verb, ask, has a more dramatic effect while also establishing a more imposing and straight forward tone. This imperative sentence lends to the point that JFK is trying to make, that he can’t do it alone. Another point JFK makes is that the people have the most power to make the biggest difference, For instance, when he says, “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course” (2), he uses a metonymy to show how the way things are ran, or will run will be left up to the people. It illustrates how the power to make a difference rests in the hands of the average American person. What Kennedy does is that he transfers the vibrant energy and determination inside of him to make a difference into the American population. Not only that but he once again unites everyone for a common purpose in the line “in your hands, my fellow citizens” those hands represents the whole American population that can make a difference. It causes the audience to think about what he’s saying while leading them into a patriotic state of mind. Furthermore, when Kennedy refers to the audience as “we” “us” and “my fellow citizens” he establishes a more personal tone, in result making them feel more cared about. By using words such as “we” and “us” it makes it seem as if everyone is sharing the job, thus strengthening his purpose and his goal, for everyone to contribute to their country. This causes readers to feel a connection as Americans to Kennedy. He shares his energy by saying that by everyone contributing, the world can become a better place. It also contributes to one of his goals, which is to have a nation where the people contribute more in a result achieving a nation that is the best it could be.

Kennedy’s inaugural speech is one to be remembered throughout history. Kennedy's artful and abstract diction, effective use of rhetorical devices, and his confident tone throughout the speech reassure the American public of the abilities of their newly elected president. His use of repetition proves that he is serious about achieving peace and unity. By juxtaposing several ideas, he convinces America to believe in his position that will lead America into prosperity. He uses zeugmas and antimetaboles to inspire citizens to do something for their nation. Kennedy's goal with his inaugural address was to voice his intentions as president, and use his youthful energy to convince people of his goals and outlook for the future. Without the use of effective rhetoric, Kennedy would never be able to get the American people on his side and trust him and his look for the future. His use of rhetorical devices is effective and relate to what America needed in a leader during the 1960’s. The late, great Kennedy gained respect from many people with this speech, and till this day and forever on this speech will be always remembered and be set as a standard for future presidents to come.