Jfk Inaugural Address Essay

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The purpose of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address is to accept the presidency, unite the people of America, and to outline the plan for his presidency. Kennedy’s purpose is made aware by the multiple pledges that he makes in his speech and the emphasis on dealing with problems as a we. Kennedy uses antithesis, repetition, ethos, and an allusion in his address to aid him in fulfilling his purpose. Kennedy uses the sentence structure of do not x, but y throughout the speech. This can be seen in the following quotes,” “Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.” and “Ask not what you country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” The denial of the first part of the sentence creates an emphasis on the second half, which is what should be done. This emphasis aids in the author’s purpose because it is highlighting what Kennedy plans to do during his presidency and sets his plans separate from what others might have done or thought he wants to do.This also creates a stark difference …show more content…

Kennedy immediately establishes ethos in the speech, starting with when he speaks about the founding fathers and upholding their beliefs. This inclusion shows that Kennedy is not going to be a tyrant, and that he believes in a democratic America where the people’s voices are heard. This soothes any fear that America will no longer be a democracy and will become like Russia or other communist places. Kennedy also establishes ethos when he states, “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God”. This sends the message that Kennedy shares the morals of majority of the citizens of the United and fearing of a higher power, even though he was a Catholic. Kennedy maintains his ethos in the speech by continuing to mention God, and even referencing the Bible. Establishing ethos is helpful to Kennedy’s purpose, because it means that the people are more likely to take what he has to say in good

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