Rhetorical Analysis Of John F Kennedy's Inaugural Address

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Recorded as one of the shortest inaugural addresses in history, John F. Kennedy’s speech delivers a concise yet empowering counsel on resolving international problems and the United States’ duty in these issues. With a passionate and patriotic tone, Kennedy uses anaphora, parallelism, and diction to convey American values of liberty and form a closer connection with the audience. Use of anaphora forms closer connections between American and foreign allies with equality among all nations. Kennedy hopes to remove all conflicting relationships with enemy nations while reminding that sincerity does not show weakness. By using phrases such as “let us” (par 15) and “let both sides,” (par 16-17) he emphasizes that all nations will change toward better …show more content…

Throughout his speech, Kennedy repeatedly stresses that America’s intentions for alliances are peaceful and only for the goodwill of the neighboring nations. He remarks tyranny as those “who foolishly sought power,” scorning tyrannical power. Instead, the United States will root out oppressive governments in foreign countries at “any price, any burden, any hardship, any friend, any foe,” (par. 3) showing that America as a strong country. Foreign countries are more likely to be eager for an alliance with America knowing that their ally can protect them against future oppression. After releasing these nations from their oppressive governments, he hopes to form an alliance with these nations and maintain old alliances because “united there is little (the countries) cannot do… divided there is little (the countries) can do” (par. 7). Resolving issues in the world takes unity from all nations. He also strikes fear in an outcome of hostilities between nations, by requesting for alliances “before the dark powers of destruction… engulf humanity” (par. 12), further

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