A Rhetorical Analysis of JFK’s Inaugural Address
On January 20, 1961, amid the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address in Washington D.C. While being elected during a time of chaos, it was his responsibility to reassure and instill confidence in the American people. Kennedy was able to leave a massive impact on the people of America and every nation watching, whether their relations with America were cordial or not. Through the use of the pathos appeal, impactful elements such as anaphora and complex syntax, and a confident, compelling tone, Kennedy successfully ignites hope within his nation and offers respect, aid, and an invitation of peace to others. His empowering, confident, and considerate voice demonstrates his maturity and caution in handling the situation, along with successfully installing hope within his nation.
One notable and impactful element of this speech is Kennedy’s reserved, subtle, yet effective use of the pathos appeal. With this bei. ng an extremely significant and solemn speech, an excessive use of the pathos appeal would have had a different effect on his audience, potentially implying that Kennedy’s leadership was founded mainly upon emotions. This further displays his maturity in understanding the appropriate time and approach to including this appeal, utilizing it in such a way that it does not seem overly passionate, but still has a great impact on his audience. In the second and third paragraphs, Kennedy refers to the history of the nation, urging the American people to remember and carry on that legacy. “And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe — the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.”
Soon after mentioning the great history of the ancestors, Kennedy also addresses the “new generation” of Americans, reminding them who they are and their strength in the trials they have overcome. “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution… the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed…” This sentiment not only reminds the American people of their strength and capability but also urges them to hold fast to these ideologies in order to sustain the American nation.
Through the course of his inaugural speech, Kennedy introduces and uses a few other valuable components including anaphora and syntax. In the middle portion of the speech, Kennedy begins each paragraph with the words “to those… we pledge…” or a similar phrase: “To those old allies… we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends… To those new states… we pledge our word… To those people in the huts and villages… we pledge our best efforts…” This use of anaphora, although not as straightforward and obvious at first glance, creates a dramatic, more powerful way of addressing each of the different nations, rather than simply listing them and most likely causing his audience to lose interest.
The majority of the sentences in this speech are complex and extensive, allowing Kennedy to provide plenty of detail to his audience and offering him more of an opportunity to display his composure, commitment, and intellect. He often experiments with different types of sentence structure, especially when listing his pledges and promises. On occasion, such as in the fourth paragraph, the normally lengthy, intricate sentences allow the few short, punchy statements to leave a much greater impact: “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, to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge — and more.” This abrupt statement leaves a much more significant impact on his listeners, who are already accustomed to his in-depth lengthy sentences. Each of these elements greatly attributes to Kennedy’s success in demonstrating his qualification and credibility, along with leaving a greater impression on the American people.
Perhaps the most influential aspects of this speech are Kennedy’s intelligent, profound diction and his mature, empowering tone. Kennedy’s vocabulary throughout the piece displays his intelligence, composure, and devotion, revealing how seriously he takes this role, in addition to reinforcing his credibility and instilling hope within his people. He occasionally utilizes a dramatic and descriptive vocabulary to create a bolder statement on certain subjects, such as in the third, sixth, and tenth paragraphs: “Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: 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 self-destruction.” In addition to his excellent, proficient diction, Kennedy’s tone also plays a crucial role in this speech. While helping to inspire his audience, he also displays a sense of urgency, reminding his people of the threat of war, to remember who they are, and to keep hold of their promises. He is able to maintain his composure, further displaying his maturity and ability to remain calm under pressure, all while managing to successfully uplift his audience with a sense of reassurance and empowerment.
Through several uses of the pathos appeal, anaphora, intelligent diction and syntax, and an empowering tone, John F. Kennedy is able to reassure the new generation of Americans and offer peace and aid to surrounding nations during his inaugural address. The Cold War was a trying time for the citizens of America, all of whom were in desperate need of a capable, devoted leader to deliver their country through this struggle. This speech had a powerful effect on its audience, successfully igniting feelings of hope and confidence in the American people. During a time when the citizens of this country were filled with doubt and onlooking nations anticipated the uncertain fate of this country, John Kennedy was able to provide reassurance and reinforce the faith and courage and of his people.
