Rhetorical Analysis Of Kennedy's Speech

In Kennedy’s speech, Ich bin ein Berliner, he works to convince people of the flaws of communism as well as the ill effects of the construction of the Berlin wall while motivating and assuring the people of West Berlin that the United States supports them. He does so through the use of parallel structure, anaphoras, absolute statements, logic, meaningful diction, and metaphors. At the time of this speech, the world is in the midst of the Cold War and the Berlin wall has recently been constructed to prevent Germans from the Soviet east from fleeing to the free west. While Kennedy’s speechmakers had attempted to write an address without offending either side, Kennedy decides to go in his own direction. He instead writes his own speech, set

In the first example, Kennedy says, “Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect. But we have never had to put up a wall to keep our people in” (Kennedy 5). In this comparison of democracy to communism, Kennedy is referring directly to the Berlin wall. His statement is strengthened by his decision to address the nation from in front of the wall. By first admitting the flaws of democracy he demonstrates an impartial attitude, increasing his credibility. He then makes his absolute statement which directly attacks the morality of the communist system. Kennedy makes a black and white comparison which clearly shows communism in a negative light. This obvious fact is not only irrefutable but also one that would effectively show those in East Berlin as well as the communist world the issues in their system. In citing this ethical dilemma, the wall, Kennedy supports his argument and is able to reach one of his target audiences. Kennedy uses another absolute statement paired with logic later on when he says, “Real, lasting peace in Europe can never be assured as long as one German out of four is denied the elementary right of free men” (Kennedy 7). This statement is highly motivational because it cites an injustice felt by a quarter of the population and one of his main audiences, West Berlin. By discussing a common issue caused by Germany’s division, he unites west Berlin in their common struggle,

He uses a metaphor to accomplish this goal by saying, “You live in a defended island of freedom, but your life is a part of the main” (Kennedy 8). Here, Kennedy compares west Berlin to an island of freedom in the middle of a sea of communism, and much like a small island, they must fight the rising tide that is the surrounding communist world. As a small section of Berlin fighting a constant battle for their freedom outside support is crucial. This is why his statement “your life is a part of the main” is so significant. Kennedy is comparing them to an isolated island but here reminds them that they are a part of the mainland, essentially verbalizing the free world’s support, in particular, the United States’ support. Lastly, Kennedy uses meaningful diction to wrap up his speech and leave a lasting impact. He says, “All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin...‘Ich bin ein Berliner’” (Kennedy 10). In this statement, Kennedy makes Berlin a symbol of freedom. All free men are the members of the free world and since they are all citizens of Berlin, Kennedy is demonstrating their support of the people in West Berlin and their struggle. The very last line in his speech is delivered in German and it is scattered throughout his entire address. He says I am a Berliner, a statement holds immense power. By affiliating himself with the people of West Berlin in their mother