Rhetorical Analysis Of The American Dream

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Kathleen Floyd 23 October 2014 AP Language and American Literature 1st Period “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Unifying the United States Whether it is a white picket fence, liberation, or wealth, the concept of “the American dream” varies. A significant feature of the American dream is the time period and the individuals at that time. In the 1600s the concept was rebirth of a new life, 1800s it was liberation, and in the 1900s the most popular concept varied from wealth to the “nuclear family”. The popular ideas had a tendency to transform quite frequently. However, one concept that has remained constant is the participation of the people in the society at a specific time period. Without unification …show more content…

In the passage, Kennedy uses significant type of diction such as asunder, foe, forebears, writ, and wrought. Many of the words used have a formal and mature connotation. Considering that Kennedy was so young, he was often critiqued for this. Therefore, instead of speaking in an informal tone, he spoke formally and respectfully to give the effect that he was wise with his knowledge. He uses many different forms of syntax to put emphasis on moving forward with the nation. “Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.” and “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” are examples of his expectations of how the future will bring new and improved innovations. In the speech there are many different situations where he tends to use opposites next to each other in comparison. “Symbolizing and end as well as a beginning” these quotes throughout the speech, imply that the tone has adjusted from the original course, wandering from the tradition it has always been. His tone was well understood, civil and defined by diction allowing all of the audience to be

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