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Aphorisms In John F Kennedy's Inaugural Address

550 Words3 Pages

In 1961, the United States of America was struggling to fight communism internationally and protect its people from negative outside forces. Along with these complications, there were struggles with racial and social inequalities. The country was on the brink of its breaking point, needing a resilient and reassuring leader; President John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural speech, offered the people of the United States the reassurance they desired. A hortatory tone was used by the president to deliver and convey a sense of inspiration to a country whose people needed it greatly. Kennedy applied interpersonal diction and the meticulous use of aphorisms to unceasingly inspire the citizens of America to unite and serve their country, and the world, …show more content…

Mentioned previously, America was struggling with social inequalities. Kennedy referred to this by suggesting that “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich”. He emphasized that, to be a “free society”, all social classes must work to help each other in an effort to better themselves and their country. America, as referred to earlier, was falling apart; Its citizens falling into madness as a result of being dependent on a nation they thought would protect them. Kennedy addressed this problem with the aphorism, “Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country”. He was able to encourage the people of his country by giving them purpose and responsibility. In conclusion, Kennedy’s use of aphorisms helped to communicate the image of a nation of which he had long been dreaming. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural speech in front of the United States of America and the world. He brought forth reassurance to a nation who desired it. Using interpersonal diction to establish a sense of unity and aphorisms to carry out the perception of wisdom, he was able to develop his hortatory tone and inspire the citizens of his nation to unite in a cause that will make, not only themselves, but also their nation ineffable to the whole

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