Section 3: Ethos, pathos, and logos - part 2

Pathos

Kennedy begins his speech with pathos saying 'i have some very sad news for you" as a way to prepare and quiet his audience to receive the news of Dr. Martin Luthur King, Jr's death by assassination Kennedy furthur appeals to his audience's emotions with language involving their homes, families, a belief in god, and love he compels his audience to choose those things over violence in the wake of a tragic event for the country

remarks on the assassination of martin luther king, jr. (contd.)

Kennedy continues to appeal to the african american community, he alludes to his personal situation of losing his brother in a similar way to how Dr. King died because Kennedy was speaking in a very poor, predominantly african american area of indianapolis, some thought he might not be well received

logos

an appeal based on logic or reason

Logos

here, he provides a logical choice, move in greater polarization OR in a direction of understanding, compassion, and love given that the latter was Dr. King's message, it would be logical for Dr. King's followers to opt for understanding, compassion, and love

pathos

is an appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.

ethos

kennedy uses ethos when he alludes to his brother's assassination, this establishes Kennedy as a credible source of information and wisdom on the topic of martin luther king, jr's assassination he furthurs establishes himself as a guiding soruce of wisdom when he quotes a brief poem from the greek dramatist, Aeschylus

discussion

kennedy's brief and impromptu speech was effective for several reason, he had the advantage of timing, he was the first to inform the crowd gathered that Dr. King was assassinated that allowed him the opportunity to speak about the anger but to promote king's message of peace and unity where Kennedy delivered his message (Indianapolis) there were no riots Kennedy's tone was sad and somber due to the nature of the news he shared; however, it was also strong and guiding Kennedy led his audience int he way of dr. king, his use of emotional and logical appeals carried the speech and prevented riots in indianapolis

remarks on the assassination of martin luther king, jr.

the audience is not aware of the assassination and kennedy asks them to lower their campaign signs, he begins with a sad and somber tone that carries throughout the speech Kennedy memorializes the effort of Dr. King and his dedication to fighting for justice for all people, he acknowledges the anger that the african american community must feel, but he redirects the message to encourage the nation to come together as Dr. King would have wanted he uses logos by providing the audience with a logical choice to go in the direction of Dr. King with understanding, compassion, and love