Jfk Inaugural Speech Rhetorical Devices

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On January 20th, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his first and last inaugural address. Kennedy became the 35th president of the United States after being sworn into office in January of 1961. He served until November 22 of 1963 after being assassinated by Henry Lee Oswald. Kennedy’s speech, Eleanor Clift’s article, and the United States Army Signal Corps’ picture use different techniques to convey the legacy of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy’s speech uses rhetorical devices to convey his legacy. The author uses antithesis multiple times in the first sentence when he says “We observe today… as well as change.” Kennedy also uses antithesis in the most famous words of the entire speech, “And so, my fellow Americans… what you can do for your country.” The ancient Greeks used…show more content…
The author and photographer establish ethos because they work for the United States Army Signal Corps, therefore, they remain part of the government. Next, logos remains evident such as when the author says “This photo, credited to the United States Army Signal Corps… January 20, 1961.” This exemplifies logos because the author uses details, like the Chief Justice’s name. The picture also depicts logos because those in the picture performed specific duties, such as Kennedy giving his oath, and Earl Warren swearing him in. All of these remain spelled out in the Constitution. Finally, ethos remains apparent since the event remained very emotional. This Inauguration occurred in a very emotional time, people of the United States feared for their lives due to threats from the USSR; the Cuban missile crisis occurred shortly after, signifying the ever-growing tension between the US and USSR. The author uses appeals to portray Kennedy’s legacy by showing that despite the tough times, Kennedy remained eager to make a difference by taking on the task of leading one of the most powerful nations into its own ‘Pax
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