Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

The Inaugural Address is deliberated as one of the most notable speeches throughout the world. One such speech was delivered by the most prominent figure in American history, John F. Kennedy, when he was elected as the 35th president of the United States of America. The newly elected President delivered the inauguration on a cold, windy afternoon in January. It was a very memorable day. While the coldness of January was anesthetizing the body parts of the Americans, President Kennedy stood in public to only speak his mind but also to evoke a sense of security and idealism in Americans. President Kennedy was elected at a critical time period in American history. His fluent words have left a long lasting mark in the history. The eloquent words provoked the American population to action. Through the use of anaphora, juxtaposition, antimetabole, anthesis, and parallelism, President Kennedy instills the sense of security and confidence of his leadership as a new leader.

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Kennedy most effectual rhetorical strategy employed to direct the American citizens to support the nation was juxtaposition. He states, “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans-born in this century, tempered by was, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage…” By stating this in the beginning of his speech, JFK evoked the patriotism of the audience. His proud and determined tone rouses the American to defend freedom, as “heirs of the first revolution”. JFK places war and peace, two opposing ideas, to emphasize the history of the American. The sentence portrays the hardships the Americans have faced throughout history and through this he builds the confidence in the audience of his

presidency.
President John F. Kennedy portrays the significance of the American unity through provoking them to action by incorporating them into the speech. The inspiring words that are still quoted today are created through the use of antimetable. The most famous line from President Kennedy’s speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country”, is used to retain the attention of the audience. Antimetabole enhances the significance of the sentence and was used to motivate the audience to act. JFK stresses the essentiality of collaborating as unity.
Similarly anthises was implied to incorporate and call Americans to act. Anthises reveals how his leadership is “symbolizing an end as well as a beginning.” The words end and beginning are contrasting one another and were placed to highlight the message of his inauguration. It emphasizes his determination and his aim for improvements of the American lives. Through the use anthises, the impact of the statement is higher and compelling.
Anaphora is a repetition of the beginning of phrases. JFK usage of anaphora increases the emphasis on what he’s trying to say. He repeats the words “Let both sides” multiple times in his speech, which appeals to the audience, due to its flow and rhythm. Anaphora was combined with parallelism to reinforce the idea of unity between the nations. Several paragraphs began with “Let both sides” from which each paragraph focused on different audience. The combination of anaphora and parallelism creates an efficient flowing of words that only attract the attention of the audience but also causes the audience to relate to JFK.