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Rhetorical analysis essays
Rhetorical Strategies and Analysis
Rhetorical analysis essays
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John F. Kennedy, a man Americans name as one of the best presidents, delivered his speech that took America by storm. When he stood at the pedestal, thousands of people, nationally and globally, tuned in to his speech, listening to important ideas that Kennedy brought further light on. To connect people through peaceful relations was a reached plan, but with the use of archaic diction and parallel structure, those dreams seemed to be more closely attainable than ever before. First off, Kennedy’s main purpose was to have not only his own nation, but other nations be connected through peaceful relations, thus using archaic diction. Although Kennedy was not as old as other presidents before him, actually ranking number two in youngest presidents …show more content…
The best way to win the presidential seat is to leave the public with words they will always remember. Kennedy generously uses parallel structure to make his point across; his statements give a call to action while also giving advice on what path not to take. For example, his most famous use of parallel structure, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” (26) lights an American pride to fight for those you identify with. The structure is simple, but firm enough to be boldly stated for emphasis that, together, the community is called “not to bear arms, though arms we need – not as a call to battle, though embattled we are” (23) go against “tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself” (23). Furthermore, Kennedy’s speech becomes more agreeable and understanding to the public as double negatives contradict each other; for instance, “if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich” (9). As the nation listened to his speech, they felt empowered to embody America’s freedom and spread it to the world. Thus, Kennedy left a powerful impression on the American people by leaving the audience with thought provoking messages that the whole nation still looks back on
Every president strives to remain positive in the public’s eye. Yes, a despised president can still hold office, but the country will always respond much more positively and remember the president better if he or she is viewed favorably. This is particularly true during times of great distress or crises, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, or Hurricane Sandy in 2012. On April 10, 1962, the United States’ largest steel companies raised steel prices by 3.5 percent. President John F. Kennedy had repeatedly called for stable prices and wages, as the country was already under economic strain from foreign affairs. Kennedy held a news conference on April 11, 1962 in order to address this sharp increase in steel prices. He was well aware of the fact that he had to maintain a positive image to
It was on January 20th 1961 that John F Kennedy gave his inaugural address after winning the presidential race and beating future president Richard Nixon. President, John F Kennedy in his speech, The Inaugural Address, he describes his plans for growth in America. Kennedy’s purpose is unite the people of the U.S. and bring everyone together for the good cause of promoting growth in the country. He creates a very inspirational tone in order to establish a connection with the U.S. people. In his speech Kennedy really used several rhetorical strategies of persuasion to motivate and persuade the U.S. people that they made the right choice in choosing him.
“If a free society can not help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”(Kennedy, 1961) Statements such as these demonstrate how Kennedy appealed to the citizens by simply using reason. The use of logos in his speech was minimal compared to the use of pathos, and ethos.
This speech proves that Kennedy had a way with words and knew the best way to get a message across. He clearly expressed his feelings but did so without letting them take over. He didn’t scream or shout, but showed he could handle his anger while still letting it shine through. Kennedy used the three appeals, strong diction and syntax, and a well-organized structure of his ideas to convey his purpose; Raise anger in Americans and side with them, while making the steel companies feel guilty for their
His speech contained persuasive appeals such as logos and pathos. Kennedy says “This peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers...our neighbors know we shall join with them to oppose aggression anywhere…let every power know this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.” This strong quote corresponds with pathos, it pertains to the emotion of hope and courage that the U.S. needs to maintain its high ranking status among other countries. This shows that he wants us to be ready for anything
In conclusion, this speech was structured beautifully. Its use of figurative and expressive language makes it an unforgettable speech. Kennedy does a great job of using pathos, ethos, and logos to reiterate his commitment to the American public as well as discuss expected changes. Given the state of the world at the time of his inauguration, the decision to rely so heavily on pathos and ethos was a wise one which got the job done. His use of the rhetoric triangle effectively conveys Kennedy’s plan for America to not only her citizens, but to the world.
With famed verses like, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” Kennedy makes the spectators feel inclined to make an impact in the world they live in. Apart from infusing a sense of obligation in the crowd, Kennedy’s greatest element in his speech was the aptitude to arouse a feeling of esteem in the audience. Kennedy constantly uses phrases about freedom and sovereignty to remind the people they still are. “The heirs of that first revolution.” This dialect portrays America as a powerful and patriarchal republic that possesses greater philanthropy than all the other nations around the world.
But the point is we need to keep reminding each other and never forget about it. We need to repeat this so much that when we hear it again we have it memorized and we have no doubt about it. Kennedy used this to support his claim and put the nation as a whole to do things together and never be in doubt of their goals and have the common knowledge set in mind. So when you look over to the inaugural speech there is no doubt that the usage of ethos was on point. His morals about religion and doing stuff that led to the right way became very keen. “ With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth and to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” (Kennedy, 1961) Kennedy always saw the belief the people had in him. Everyone looked up on the family to see what they were doing and tried to do whatever they were doing. He acknowledged all the things he had to do and made it pretty clear that he received good respect from his voters. He gave power to the people. When people looked up on him they saw how much he cared. When the Vietnam War was heating up he tried his very best to keep his words very straightforward and honest. He used pathos in his speech through the usage of the phrases, “ a celebration of freedom,” and, “ forge against these enemies.” By using these phrases, instead of making the war a task for the people, he made it out as saving the country for the people and for their kids. It wasn’t just a "go and fight," but more of a "go, win, and when you come back enjoy what you have accomplished." “ Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country.” (Kennedy, 1961) This quote by itself has showed up in textbooks, general literature, and other writings probably more than any of the
John F. Kennedy knows the increasing cost of steel will affect the whole nation negatively. In order to address his concern to the American people, Kennedy uses numerous rhetorical strategies. The purpose of his speech is clear and indicates his want for change. The American people are able to understand their leader’s speech because he employs the strategies that will connect with them on a personal level.
Martin Luther King was assassinated the night this speech was spoken. Robert F. Kennedy was on his way to a campaign speech and he felt that he needed to address King’s assassination because of his extensive influence in the society. When he spoke “On the Death of Martin Luther King Jr.,” he informs us of Martin Luther King’s assassination and persuades us to remain a country without violence and an ability to understand in tough times; then, through our pain, we will gain wisdom and move past the hard times. This speech is rhetorically powerful through his use of ethos and pathos, connecting to the audience through personal experience, using figurative language and rhetorical devices in the process.
Robert Kennedy delivered a speech at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s funeral. His speech contained ethos and logos. He used logical reasoning by saying that “...we have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond these rather difficult times” (Kennedy 1). He is trying to convince the listeners to not act violently because of these events. Kennedy also cites Aeschylus, a poet, to show that violence is not the answer in this situation (Kennedy 1). This is an example of ethos in his speech. Similarly, John Wilkes Booth uses logos in his writing. He states that “it is either extermination or slavery for themselves… to draw from” (Booth 3). This means that Booth was trying to show through logical reasoning that he had no choice in his actions. He
It is 11 June, 1963, and the Alabama National Guardsmen are called to the University of Alabama to ensure the safe admission of two black students. That same afternoon, John F. Kennedy addresses the nation in an attempt to sooth flared tempers on both sides of the debate. Despite the limited time for preparation, “… it was one of his best speeches–a heartfelt appeal in behalf of a moral cause that included several memorable lines calling upon the country to honor its finest traditions” (Dallek). Indeed, part of this heartfelt spirit is likely derived from the relative spontaneity of the speech. Nevertheless, Kennedy is well-recognized as skilled in his use of language (Renehan), and purposefully employs several methods to create his appeals.
On January 20th, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave a speech to the nation, which encompassed a new vision for the country with a new generation. That speech was JFK’s Inaugural Address. As the new 35th president, JFK was the youngest president to enter the oval office at the age of forty-three ("Inaugural Address."). The nation was still in in the process of healing after World War II. In the eyes of the masses, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a breath of fresh air for the American People. He was a youthful president, with his youthful image; he was able to rally the younger generations with a progressive vision. This speech was a message to the nation in which JFK outlines a new direction for The United States by securing it’s freedom, being a competitive nation in all aspects, and rallying the citizens behind the government.
Hence, through various rhetorical strategies, Kennedy achieves his purpose of gaining the spectators’ favor through stressing major current events that concerned the American people. These significant concepts include American patriotism and American diplomacy, stressed when he begins four consequent paragraphs with the same recurring three words, “Let both sides.” Kennedy’s brilliant use of pathos, parallelism, antithesis, and varied syntax successfully convey his ambitions and hopes for America, as it makes Kennedy’s speech a very memorable one in history.
Dressed at his best, John F. Kennedy walked to the podium on January 20th, 1961, hoping to embody the positive outlook he had in mind for America in his forthcoming speech. With a fresh, young face in front of them, the audience was captivated by every word that passed through his lips, and rightfully so. An eccentric, new president made it feel as if a new era had begun, and soon changes for the better would be ushered in. With a strong focus on ethics and logic, Kennedy let the people know that we are much stronger united as one, and everyone in the country plays their part. He touches on the importance of our fellow countries on our borders and overseas, and instead of treating the people of these countries like outcasts (like some of our other presidents have), he shows how despite where you may live the entire Earth really just makes up one population of humans. America is a