President Kennedy, in his inaugural address on January 20, 1961, skillfully employs rhetorical appeals and devices to achieve his purpose of inspiring and unifying the American people. His audience consisted of not only the American citizens but also the international community as his speech was broadcasted worldwide.
Kennedy's purpose was to instill a sense of hope, encourage unity, and call for action among the American people. He begins his address with a rhetorical question, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." This use of anaphora emphasizes the collective responsibility of the citizens towards their nation, appealing to their sense of duty and patriotism.
Throughout his speech, Kennedy uses pathos by appealing to the emotions of his audience. He acknowledges the challenges faced by the nation and expresses empathy, stating, "We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution." By invoking historical references and acknowledging the sacrifices made by previous generations, he taps into a sense of national pride and unity.
Furthermore, Kennedy incorporates ethos by presenting himself as a credible and trustworthy leader. His words are well-crafted, and his speech is eloquent, showcasing his intelligence and competence. This helps to establish a connection with the audience and gain their trust and confidence in his leadership abilities.
Lastly, Kennedy employs the rhetorical device of parallelism to create a strong impact. He repeats the phrase "Let both sides" multiple times in his address, emphasizing his commitment to diplomatic efforts and peace between nations. This repetition creates a memorable rhythm and reinforces his message of unity and cooperation.
Overall, President Kennedy effectively uses rhetorical appeals and devices, including rhetorical questions, pathos, ethos, and parallelism, to connect with his audience, inspire hope, and unite the American people under a common purpose.