Rhetorical Devices In Jfk Inaugural Address

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, invokes the mood of patriotism throughout nations in order to encourage worldwide peace in his Inaugural Address. At the time of the speech, the United States was going through the height of the Cold War, in which America was in an Arms Race with the Soviet Union. President Kennedy wanted to awaken the people about the possible war. President Kennedy displays a confident tone throughout his speech, as well as strength and hope. In his Inaugural Address, delivered on January 20, 1961 to the nation, Kennedy discusses the success of liberty in attempt to inspire the country to come together as one; he then uses rhetorical devices which evoke emotion, along with inspiration, to eventually

To influence his audience, Kennedy uses ethos in his address to give himself credibility. The President expresses, “Let both sides united to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah – to ‘undo the heavy burdens… and let the oppressed go free’” (Kennedy). Not only using an allusion, he presents himself as a credible authority figure. In doing so, the audience feels as if they are in good hands. Kennedy needed to make himself an authority figure because he “became the youngest President at the mere age of 43” (Biane). The expression shows that the President has a good moral character; this allows the audience to put their trust into him because he sets himself at a high standard. Kennedy continues to build his character by including, “I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it” (Kennedy). Within these lines, citizens can recognize their new President as one that’s willing to do what is in the country’s best interest. In the climax of the Cold War, Kennedy is not afraid to take action and ensure the welfare of the nation. The audience gets a sense of comfort from Kennedy’s use of ethos and