Question

What rhetorical features stood out most to you in the excerpt from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address? How does Kennedy connect with his audience?

Answer 1

Your answer may include the following points:

Kennedy uses alliteration throughout his speech. Alliteration is the repetition of the same sounds or similar sounds. Alliteration helps the audience remember a message better. Some examples of alliteration include the following: “same solemn oath,” “bear the burden,” and “standards of strength and sacrifice.”

Kennedy uses antithesis to bring out an idea more clearly. Antithesis is the use of two contrasting elements or ideas in the same sentence. Here are some examples of antithesis in his speech: “United there is little we cannot do… Divided there is little we can do” and “I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it.”

Kennedy uses imagery (vivid and descriptive language). These phrases are examples of imagery in his speech: “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans” and “those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.”

Kennedy connects with his audience by making eye contact with his listeners as well as by using his hands to emphasize certain points.

Explanation: sample answer from plato or edmentum

Answer 2

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address contains many rhetorical features. Parallel structure is a technique which entail a repetition of some words or pattern of words. This stylistic device not only offers a more pleasant speech but also makes the speech easy to understand and get the main idea.

Example:” "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” In this particular excerpt, there is the repetition of grammatical structure: Verb + any+ object.

In his speech, there are other rhetorical devices. In the following example it is possible to recognize the use of Metaphor and Alliteration. Metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to describe someone, something or an idea using certain words whose meaning must not be taken literally. It helps to deliver a message in a clear and convincing manner. Alliteration enhances greatly the amusement of the speech as it consists of a lively repetition of the initial sound of words in a passage and It helps to convey meaning in a creative, effective and appealing manner. Besides, it provides rhythm to the text .

Example: “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,”

This sentence gives the idea that a new era and a new movement towards a better future in America (metaphor) and there is the repetition of the "f" sound (alliteration)