Rhetorical Analysis Of Obama's Inaugural Address

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, in his 2009 Inaugural Address, urges the people in the audience to a call to action. Obama’s purpose is to persuade the audience that he will help the people of America survive its current crisis. He takes on a passionate and empowering tone in an attempt to give citizens the push they need. Obama distinctly articulates and calls the audience to action through the use of allusions, repetition, and metaphors to bring people together in their time of need. Obama begins his speech by addressing the audience and expressing how thankful he is. Throughout his speech, he uses multiple allusions by referencing people, places, and events. He quickly mentions, “For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh” (12). This reference shows that Obama is aware of America’s history. Obama also makes a reference to the Declaration of Independence saying, “...all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness” (paragraph 9).“This is effective to the audience because it shows that he has paid attention and knows what the nation, and the citizens in it, have been through.

He said, “We will build the roads and bridges… We will restore science… We will harness the sun…” (para. 15). His use of repeating “we will” emphasizes that he doesn’t see himself as someone higher than everyone else; he views himself as an equal. It puts emphasis on how he feels and makes it more powerful. He stated, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear… On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises…” (paras. 7 and 8). He is aiming to help the people persevere and work hard towards the