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On a winter Friday in 1963, our nation mourned the tragic assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a man whose legacy is etched in the annals of American history. Beyond the somber end to his life, President Kennedy's enduring impact lies in his remarkable contributions to the nation, notably exemplified in his powerful Inaugural Speech delivered in January 1961. This essay delves into the rhetorical brilliance of Kennedy's address, exploring its emotional resonance, logical persuasiveness, and ethical foundation.
President Kennedy's inaugural address was a masterclass in the art of pathos, skillfully connecting with the emotions of his diverse audience.
Early in his speech, he evokes empathy by acknowledging the struggles of people worldwide, stating, "peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery" (3). This poignant appeal to the American sense of compassion lays the foundation for a broader connection between the United States and those less fortunate nations.
Moreover, Kennedy taps into the patriotic fervor that often surfaces during elections, rallying the American spirit with the declaration, "let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house" (3).
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By emphasizing unity and national pride, Kennedy effectively stirs the emotions of his audience, aligning them with the collective goal of maintaining American dominance.
Expanding on the emotional dimension, Kennedy's use of pathos extends to his vision for a compassionate and interconnected world. He asserts, "(if) a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich" (3), creating a moral imperative for the United States to extend its hand to those in need.
This appeal not only tugs at the heartstrings of the audience but also establishes a moral high ground for the nation under Kennedy's leadership.
While pathos dominates Kennedy's rhetorical arsenal, he also makes strategic forays into logos, appealing to the audience's sense of reason. Addressing the economic concerns of the arms race, a prevailing fear at the time, Kennedy argues that pursuing peace is imperative "before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity" (3). Though a somewhat weak appeal to logic given the known destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons, this statement strategically combines elements of both logos and pathos, subtly invoking the fear of annihilation to underscore the urgency of peace.
Later in the speech, Kennedy reinforces the logical foundation of his presidency by emphasizing the country's role in defending freedom. Asserting that "only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger," he underscores the gravity of the responsibility bestowed upon the United States (6). This robust appeal to logos serves to rationalize and legitimize the overarching goal of preserving freedom.
Expanding on the logical appeal, Kennedy addresses the global challenges of the time with a clear sense of strategy. He notes, "…yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe" (2), drawing a historical parallel to emphasize the timeless nature of the struggle for freedom. This historical grounding enhances the logical underpinnings of Kennedy's argument, portraying him not just as a leader of the moment but as a custodian of enduring principles.
President Kennedy strategically weaves elements of ethos into his address, grounding his rhetoric in a sense of credibility and shared values. In the opening lines, he aligns himself with the foundational principles of the nation, stating, "yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe" (2). By invoking the spirit of America's forefathers, Kennedy establishes his historical knowledge and positions himself as a custodian of the nation's cherished ideals.
Furthermore, Kennedy bolsters his ethical appeal by acknowledging the weight of the presidency and embracing the responsibility it entails. Proclaiming, "I do not shrink from this responsibility," he not only asserts his commitment to the role but also enhances his credibility as a leader unafraid of confronting challenges head-on (6).
Expanding on the ethical dimension, Kennedy's commitment to the ideals of freedom becomes a cornerstone of his ethos. He emphasizes, "only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger" (6), positioning himself as a guardian of the nation's values during a critical period. This ethical alignment with the essence of the United States serves to elevate Kennedy's credibility and reinforce the ethical foundation of his leadership.
Although President Kennedy's life was tragically cut short, his inaugural address stands as a testament to his rhetorical prowess and enduring influence. While the speech may exhibit a relative weakness in ethos, Kennedy's adept use of pathos and logos creates a compelling and resonant argument. Under the pressure of the times, he not only delivered a stirring address but also took significant steps towards fulfilling his promises during his abbreviated term. In the face of adversity, President Kennedy upheld the ideals of freedom, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history.
President John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address: A Rhetorical Analysis. (2017, Jan 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/rhetorical-analysis-jfk-inaugural-speech-essay
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