Rhetorical Analysis Of John F Kennedy's Inaugural Address

Being elected President is a role that comes with the burden and responsibility of a nation. On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy presented his inaugural speech in front of thousands huddled in the cold wind upon the Capitol. It was here, in freezing temperatures, which the new President vowed to protect and serve his country against all adversaries. When John. F Kennedy gave his speech, his words were not just aimed at his country, but the world. In just under 1,500 words, President Kennedy inspired a nation to see that people progress together, not separately, which is why this unity is referred back to currently.
Influenced by current and past affairs, Kennedy’s speech was given at a high point of the Cold War. Once World War II ended,

several countries began to show tensions towards one and other. Leading up to and surpassing Kennedy’s Presidency, the Cold War centered on the spread and or prevention of communism. In 1954 the French declared war on North Vietnam causing the involvement of “some 700 military personnel as well as military and economic aid” (Cold War). Additionally, in 1959 the government of Cuba was ruled under Fidel Castro and his communist ideology. According to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, “Having won the election by one of the smallest popular vote margins in history, Kennedy had known the great importance of this speech.” understood that his speech had to gain the popularity of the people Therefore, his speech had to pertain to the country’s current affairs, and most importantly his blueprint for America. John F. Kennedy was not the first President to use a brief speech to capture the audience’s attention. Previous Presidents, such as George Washington, use a short and sweet approach to remain concise and to not saturate their statements.
John F. Kennedy knew that under a divided nation no progress would be made. With the backlashes of War and heavy tensions, Kennedy needed to unite America in order to prosper. In his speech, President Kennedy uses repetition in order to add urgency to his matters. His use of metaphors also connect civilians to a larger calling. His alliteration sticks to the audience’s ears and the simple syntax of the speech keeps the audience attentive without losing its conciseness.
To add urgency to his speech, Kennedy uses repetition to clearly demonstrate what he believes in.

As he begins to address several important topics, Kennedy begins with “To those” what follows is clearly stated whether it is to a country,-friend or foe- or local address-the states. By being direct, Kennedy attempts to grab the attention of the audience to show that he is assertive in the right way. Additionally, his subtle use of metaphors and alliteration enhances the flow and imagery of his speech. For example, Kennedy says,
But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.
By comparing hope to an object that can be eaten alive, Kennedy emphasizes that hope itself is susceptible to “hostile powers” which Americans must protect. Following that sentence, Kennedy compares the hemisphere as a homeowner that will not transfer power to outside forces. Additionally, Kennedy also calls out the powers of the world in attempt to show that America is here to stay in order to address the Country’s lifespan.
Simplicity: 205 It was short to the point and in language anyone can understand, “Harry

Truman
Although the speech is highly praised, John F. Kennedy, as well as other politicians, scrutinized his speech for being written by Ted Sorensen. According to Clarke, Justice Felix Frankfurter said “I never think any speech written by somebody else, for somebody else, is any good. I don’t want to listen to Ted Sorensen” (203). Thought to have lost his originality, John F. Kennedy stated himself that the speech was disappointing. Kennedy also loses his legitimacy as his future actions contradict his demeanor in the speech. For example, after Kennedy finishes his verse on “civility,” he says, “Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.” Following his inauguration, Kennedy was responsible for over the deaths of soldiers and 1,400 exiled Cubans in the Bay of Pigs operation (Cold War). Instead of negotiating with Cuba, Kennedy would rather privately train exiled Cubans and send them to Cuba in the hopes they would overthrow Fidel and the communism that remained close to home.
Under his command, Kennedy inspired a war-torn country which had seen tragedy and despair to believe in him and a better America. He effectively united a nation that, before his inauguration, barely supported him. Readers should look to this speech and see that the length or dialect of person’s words does not outweigh the importance of simple and effective witing.