Answer:
President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961, to a large audience of Americans. His purpose was to inspire and unite the American people behind a common goal of progress and freedom. He used various rhetorical appeals and devices to achieve this goal. Kennedy employed ethos, or an appeal to his credibility as a leader, when he stated, "I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago" (lines 3-4). This appeal to tradition and shared values established Kennedy's credibility as a leader who respected the country's past and would continue to honor it in his leadership. He also used pathos, or an appeal to the audience's emotions, when he stated, "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" (lines 22-25). This appeal to patriotism and shared values evoked a strong emotional response in the audience, inspiring them to join in the cause of liberty.
In addition to rhetorical appeals, Kennedy also used rhetorical devices such as repetition and antithesis to support his appeals. He repeated the phrase "Let both sides" multiple times to emphasize his desire for cooperation and unity between opposing nations and groups (lines 21-22). He also used antithesis when he stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" (lines 77-78). This contrast between self-interest and service to the country created a memorable and impactful statement that motivated the audience to take action for the greater good.
Overall, Kennedy's use of ethos, pathos, repetition, and antithesis effectively achieved his purpose of inspiring and uniting the American people. His appeals to tradition and shared values established his credibility as a leader, while his appeals to patriotism and emotions inspired a strong emotional response in the audience. His use of rhetorical devices such as repetition and antithesis also created memorable statements that motivated the audience to take action. Kennedy's Inaugural Address remains a powerful example of effective rhetoric in American history.