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AP Language and Composition
JFK’s Inauguration Speech A Rhetorical Analysis Essay
In JFK’s inauguration speech, the speaker (JFK) attempts, and succeeds, in convincing the audience
that he will be able to take the initiative to lead the effort in fixing the problems of society, with the help
and support of the people. He delivers this speech in hopes of gaining the confidence of citizens. JFK’s
purpose was concise and clear to convince the reader that he will succeed in leading the country to a
good state of economic and sociological being. His audience was engaged because of the intense power
in his speech. In addition to his evident ambition and innovation, JFK’s use of rhetorical strategy was a
key component of winning the citizens’ hearts.
Throughout the speech, JFK uses ethos and pathos in conjunction to give his speech life and tangibility.
Right in the very first sentence, JFK gains ethos by extending his acknowledgements to his peers who
are all officials of government; positions in office to which citizens hold high regards and trust deeply. In
showing his connections with these entrustable peers, it is subliminally suggested in the audience's’
subconscious that JFK is a man that understands what he is doing, and is trustable enough to lead a
country. Another example of ethos is JFK’s consistent references to traditional ways. These references
lead the audience to believe that JFK is simply following the path of what they have known to be the
path of success that they’ve been walking since the dawn of time. When JFK says, “For I have sworn
before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and
threequarters ago”, he suggests the importance of tradition, and the fact that he is following in the
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footsteps of trusted officials of the past gives him ethos. Pathos is used through JFK’s powerful
figurative language on pg 53. JFK suggests that, “both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the
dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental
selfdistruction.” The imagery created through this use of figurative language is both very powerful and
emotionally challenging. JFK forces the audience to consider the rash effects that war may have on
society as we know it.
JFK uses a multitude of rhetorical devices to make his speech verbally appealing. In specific, JFK’s
syntax is impeccable and captivating. He purposely uses an array of short sentences and fragmented
thoughts, which separates his thoughts and organizes their meaning. This makes it much easier for every
audience member to understand. Instead of using long runon sentences that soon become a jumble of
thoughts and ideas, he uses short phrases to create emphasis on his purpose. Also, in quotes such as on
page 53, where JFK says, “Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease,
tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce…” JFK uses fragmented phrases in quick
succession to suggest a feeling of continuity.
In the category of diction, JFK succeeds by using specific words that are loaded with meaning and
hyperbole to further motivate the audience (i.e. freedom, devotion, loyalty, sacrifice). These words are
very “Idealistic American” words that remind the reader of what they believe America should represent
as a nation. JFK also uses anaphora throughout the speech to connect his thoughts and suggest
continuity of theme (ex. pg 52 repetition of “To Those”, pg 53 repetition of “Let Both Sides”).
Beyond this, JFK’s speech is jampacked with imagery and little hidden writers’ tools (i.e. alliteration
“Break the Bonds of Mass Misery”) that help to make the speech sound inspirational and motivate the
reader.
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In conclusion, JFK uses all of these rhetorical devices for one main purpose to create an atmosphere
of opportunity and ambition. The tone of this speech is both motivational and aspirational. JFK was
extremely successful in his purpose, measuring by the audience’s positive response to his speech. His
success was based on his accomplishment of his two most important goals: 1 being to get the audience
to trust his ambition and support his new ideas and 2 to motivate the audience to help the greater cause,
and understand that it takes more than just man to change the face of America it takes a whole nation.