Question

Which two sentences in this excerpt from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address demonstrate the use of antithesis as a rhetorical device?

Answer 1

The first and last italicized sentences. they are underlined. Hope this helps!! :

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago

The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans–born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage–and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Answer 2

Antithesis- An opposing or contrary opinion/concept/characteristic; A literary device intended to persuade an audience.

Antithesis rhetorical device- Two opposing ideas placed together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect.

A. "a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change."

E. "–born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage"

A= An end as well as a beginning, two opposites. Renewal as well as change (renewal is still the same thing, just made new again, while change is something entirely different than it started as) are two opposites.

E= Disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, discipline and peace are opposites because discipline tends to be violent or unpleasant.