Rhetorical Analysis Of Jfk Speech

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At Rice University Stadium in Houston, Texas, John F. Kennedy delivered a speech on September 12, 1962. He did it to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's program to land humans on the Moon. Kennedy uses credibility, faith, appeals to hopes, and appeals to desires to effectively convey the message of the value of space travel and boost the program's reputation. Kennedy credits William Bradford who spoke in 1630 of the founding of the Plymouth Bay Colony. He mentions how Bradford said, "that all great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage." The reason why it is important Kennedy brings in a quote from a historical figure is to share with the audience the meaning behind the quote. The quote shares that when trying to accomplish something great, there will be obstacles. Kennedy tied this to space to get the audience to learn that trying to land humans on the Moon is going to be difficult, but something we can overcome. That is why it is important to support and acknowledge the program in trying to achieve something greater. By quoting and sharing the message behind …show more content…

Kennedy exclaims, "for the eyes of the world now look into space, to the moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace." What is important to note is how he connects the fascination of space with the faith we have in the people. It mentions how we see research and discoveries in space as a way to signify freedom and peace, to represent what the audience wants in life. Kennedy acknowledges the audience's faith and connects it to space to display the importance of space travel. He targets the audience's faith, specifically, to convince them why they should support the program to continue reaching their wants of

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