Surname 3
Just like other leaders, John F Kennedy’s inaugural aimed at catching the attention of the
American people by instilling hope and voicing the concerns the nation was having. This could
not happen without the use of vital rhetorical tools, including pathos, logos, and ethos (Hargrove
5). The purpose of this essay is to analyze these rhetorical tools, besides identifying the specific
device that dominates Kennedy’s inaugural address.
Kennedy was assuming office at a tough political time during the cold war. The use of
pathos was a significant gesture, given that the citizens were interested in knowing that their
leader was with them and could drive them through the tribulations the country was facing. In
the address, Kennedy invoked the patriotism of the American people. He knew well that
nationalism was key to success in the cold war period. He reminded the audience of the
generations that had come before them. This directed attention to the primary value of liberty,
which the present age ought to embrace, just like the past generations did. He invigorated the
memories of the people who had lost the last ones “. Graces of young Americans who answered
the call of service surrounds the globe,” further inspiring them to act to safeguard the interests of
the country.
The use of logic also plays out in the address. Kennedy brought ought logos by
presenting facts, analogies, and axioms. He further explains the shortcomings of communism. A
classification of the world into five categories is another example of reason in Kennedy’s
address. He intended to help people understand the various dimensions of organization of the
people and society. The classification further helped him advance another agenda; that is,
presenting a plan on how to deal with the different categories of the world. Kennedy employed
facts by explaining the critical elements of the cold war, including space race and the arms race.