Analysis of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address One of the best inaugural addresses was delivered by John F. Kennedy the day he was sworn into office as president of United States on January 20, 1961. From that speech Kennedy’s famous line was born, when Kennedy (1961) said: “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” (Kennedy, 464). John F. Kennedy wasn’t just an active advocate for civil rights, but he strongly believed in the citizens of America by seeing that the citizens had more to offer by unifying together for the country. In the speech he talks about important topics America was facing. Mentioning, that the country had to be united together to become a strong force, about poverty, man’s(human) rights , foreign countries joining America and of course, about peace. Religion was also used as an illusion of security, and showing that he was a capable leader able to lead America. John F. Kennedy wanted to inspire the citizens of America to hope for the future, but not just the people of America but also the citizens around the globe. When John F. Kennedy was elected president during the toughest time, where there was a lot of things …show more content…
Kennedy’s audience was of course directed for the citizens for America but also wanted to include the rest of the world with his optimism. John F. Kennedy’s address was speaking to all people around the globe, that if other countries were or are facing the same circumstances as America like in wars, nations should unite as loyalty was pledged. According to John F. Kennedy (1961) “To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do...” (Kennedy, 463). If there is more than one countries united together loyalty was being formed, which can be helpful for each nation through tragedies. Stronger together, more can be accomplished than divided
To begin with, JFK was the 35th president of the United States of America. He was the youngest president, which meant he had to build trust. One of the main characteristics in Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address” is his powerful use of imagery, when he describes “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans” (JFK paragraph 4). Kennedy talks about change and a future to look further to. His statement creates an idea of toughness, placing strength in each individual, but also in the President and government. Kennedy paints a desolate picture of the world which creates imagery. He describes the evolving world as “struggling to break the bonds of mass misery” (JFK paragraph 9), and nuclear weapons as “dark powers of destruction” that might “engulf all humanity” (JFK paragraph 11). He creates a dark mood and describes strong visuals to keep the audience’s interest in what Kennedy has to say about possible solutions to create peace. The imagery used is strong as it draws on images that are easily understood by everybody. He believes that all Americans should work together to create the peace they desire. He wanted America to reach its fullest potential. He felt it was important to use the past as an example but to look to the future and be prepared for anything to come.
The Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, was written to notify the American people with not only the hopes and dreams that Kennedy had for the country, but how he was going to accomplish them. Inside Kennedy’s, Inauguration, 50 Years On, is the explanations of numerous people on what
John F. Kennedy was our 35th president and was elected in 1960. The words he chose in his inaugural address were very patriotic and inspiring then and now. Many things in his address leads to patriotic points and comparisons.His words are very inspiring and makes a person want to help their country out. H gives examples of ways we can approve the lifestyle of all americans.
Kennedy starts his speech to his fellow American citizens by suggesting that all of the American people must come together and unite in order to overcome the harsh times after the Cold War. Kennedy uses long sentences in order to add character and strength to his speech. John F. Kennedy uses words such as “freedom”, “renewal”, and “nation” in order to make the American people have a feeling of hope and unity. John uses his crafty diction and syntax to help him present himself as a true leader and add to his integrity. The very complex and patriotic syntax and diction display a supportive mood and reassurance to the audience. Throughout the speech the president uses many rhetorical devices.
The subject is the future of America, and the world working together finding peace as we grow. JFK calls to action his audience questioning if we will stand together and, “lead the land we love”. More specifically his main focus is the importance of understanding our power, and the responsibility to use it “for the greater good”
John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States of America from 1961 until he was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Though his presidential term ended abruptly, his legacy as person and leader of this country will be never be forgotten. He was a man loved by the general population of the United States with the highest approval rating of 70%, ranking highest in President history. Through Kennedy's inaugural address and written documents from that certain day conveyed and focused on his unforgettable legacy.
President John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural address speech, claims that America will unify and assert peace, in and out of the country with the help of citizens who fight for liberty and protect their country. Kennedy supports his claims by applying rhetorical devices to create a good sense of optimism and community. The author’s purpose is to encourage his listeners to stand up and help others so that America can become a better, stronger nation.
The speech, which was given on January 20, 1961, conveys his future legacy through both his words and tone. Kennedy says, “‘Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms - not as a call to battle - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.’” (22). His use of rhetorical style elements persuaded everyone listening, capturing the imagination of an entire country. JFK challenged the nation, and gave them hope for a better tomorrow. He asks, “‘Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?’” (23). His faith in the people of this nation and hope for the future shone through him and spread onto
“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy said this famous quote in his inauguration speech on January 20, 1961. In his speech and during his campaign, he ensured the country that he would create stellar polices. His youthfulness brought hope to the country for a new age. This created confidence in his leadership and direction for the country. With this support behind him, he came into the presidency ready to influence change, in order for the country to thrive. In fact, the domestic policies he instilled did just this and if he had more time to gain knowledge on the Presidency, he could have made his foreign policies into great ones.
John F. Kennedy’s gave his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961. His address is known to be one of the best inaugural addresses in presidential history. In the two essays referencing JFK’s inaugural address it is clear to see that he was trying to speak to the whole world while giving this speech. The purpose of his speech was to get the American people and the world to buy into his idea of making all men free.
“John F. Kennedy was elected in 1960 as the 35th president of the United States. At 43-years-old JFK became the youngest man and the first Roman Catholic to hold that office.” President John F. Kennedy gave his inaugural address on Friday, January 20, 1961. In his speech he addresses many issues faced by society during that time, as well as today. Kennedy expresses his presidential intentions by saying “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” John F. Kennedy’s speech was not substantial in length, but was successful none the less. The speech addresses all
By doing this, he was able to persuade his audience easily. “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man” (Kennedy). When Kennedy stated this, he caused his audience to reflect on what they are doing, which was at the time asking more from their country than what they were willing to do. “Kennedy’s famous closing words expressed the need for cooperation and sacrifice on the part of the American people” (History.com Staff). This then caused many people to begin to rally together for the greater good. The people gave wondrous thought into what Kennedy said, which is obvious from his still current standing of respect from Americans.
"Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country," is a well-known quote among Americans that has so much meaning behind it. John F. Kennedy was a president for the United States and loved among many American citizens. His speeches were always thought out and used many rhetoric devices to reel his audience in. Therefore, making his speeches brilliant and known the citizens of America. By going over the main points of rhetoric JFK used in his innagural speech like antithesis, pathos, and the theme one can realize how deep the speech actually is.
JFK’s Inaugural Speech (January 1961) had the purpose of expressing his ideas for the upcoming four year of Presidency and bringing hope to the country that is suffering from common pain, war. JFK’s ability to speak clearly and confidently adds credibility to his actions. He is aware of his audience, and makes sure to include everyone that is listening as well as the enemies of the United States, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price… support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty…” (Paragraph 1.)
In John F Kennedy’s “Inaugural address”, he tries to bring the nation together by speaking confidently and powerful. Kennedy’s vigorous use of rhetorical devices including Antithesis, Reasoning, Emotional Appeal, Allusion, and Anaphora that contribute to the success of his speech. JFK uses these rhetorical devices to convey his ambitions and hopes for america as a nation in a whole. Also hoping for a pledge of peace; that we do not show weakness. In his hopes of coming together our acts individually would make us look and be stronger. Kennedy used his speech as a way to draw all of the audience in by pulling us together.