JFK Inagural Address

ex. of using references to the past

"Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isiah"

ex. of antithesis

"United there is little we cannot do, divided there is little we can do"

ex. of repetition

"all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life"

ex. of anastrophe

"ask not" "dare not"

ex. of using fear

"hour of maximum danger"

ex. of antimetabole

"let us not negotiate out of fear, but let is never fear to negotiate" " ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"

ex. of paradox

"only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain doubt that they will never be employed

ex. of assonance

"steady spread"

ex. of parellelism

"that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardships, support any friend, oppose any foe"

ex. of metaphor

"the bonds of mass Misery" "the chains of poverty"

ex. of consonance

"whether it wishes us well or ill"

Kennedy uses hortative sentences "Let the word" "Let both sides" he then uses "ask, ask not". What is the difference between the two forms. why did he start with one and end with the other?

1st is he way for showing that he is asking for permission He uses that order in order to come in soft, and then get strict and tough

Which words in Kennedy's speech can be seen as archaic or old fashioned? What is their effect?

Forefathers (bearers), colonial. It establishes community

Why is the dominance of declarative sentences, which makes statements, appropriate in an inaugural address?

He is expressing his belief

Why are so many of the words abstract? How do words like freedom, poverty, devotion, loyalty, and sacrifice set the tone of the speech?

He is trying to create a sense of patriotism among his listeners. These abstract words provoke emotions.

The speech has many examples of antithesis in parallel grammatical structure. What does this use of opposites suggest about the purpose of Kennedy's speech?

He wants change, emphasis, and unity

The speech is a succession of 27 short paragraphs. Twelve paragraphs have only one sentence, eight have two, and six have three sentences, Why do you think kennedy used these short paragraphs?

In order to make an emphasis to his points

Paragraph 23 consists of two rhetorical questions. How do they act as a transition to Kennedy's call for action?

Makes you think about your role and then he tells you your role as an American.

The speech contains two extremes of sentence length, ranging from 94 words to six words. A high proportion of the sentences are on the short side. Why?

To emphasize certain points, making it memorable and quotable

Who does kennedy use some words that can be seen as cliches ("bonds of mass misery, "chains of poverty")

To personify real issues in the world. This makes the issues more clear and the listeners more aware.

ex. of alliteration

colonial control forebears fought sovereign states

How does Kennedy establish ethos, pathos, logos?

ethos: Let us go forth and lead the land we love Pathos: logos: Not because the communists... but because its right"

ex. using emotion-arousing words

freedom, liberty

ex. of anaphora

let both sides.. nor.. not as a call.. to those..

What is the main purpose of Kennedy's speech?

to emphasize the needed unity among not only american citizens, but also all good nations against challenges

What are the main points of kennedy s speech?

unity, aid, patriotism