Jfk's Inaugural Address Rhetorical Anaylsis

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Thomas 1 Allison Thomas Carrie Waldrop English 112-160 July 2, 2012 Address to the Nation On January 20th of 1961, John F. Kennedy, the youngest president of the United Sates of America addressed the nation and world in his inaugural address, after a challenging election and precarious period in which our country was enduring. With issues such as the Cold War and the cruel inequality issues our county was facing the success of his speech was imperative. In this thoughtful, well worded speech he challenged, inspired and provoked Americans to become passionate about their country stating, “ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.” (Kennedy) The words chosen for the address were well thought out, planned words, which were carefully placed and spoken beautifully. In his inaugural address Kennedy argues that new times are on the horizon for the United States and gives examples on how to unite the country and world. At the beginning of the inaugural address Kennedy begins with a strong and reassuring statement “We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom-symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning-signifying renewal, as well as change.” (Kennedy) This statement demonstrates humility by removing his personal gain and turning it into a victory for the American people. Then JFK uses emotion, or pathos, of the audience by addressing the topic on most Americans mind, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet Thomas 2 any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” (Kennedy) This is a good example of how he uses emotion to bring peace to the minds of the U.S. citizens and encourage them to unite as one. Another example of pathos in the beginning of his speech is when

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