President John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th head of state of the USA on January 20, 1961. He was inheriting the presidency at a critical time characterized by economic progress, emerging social changes, and strained international relations primarily due to the cold war. His inauguration speech is considered one of the best in the history of America’s presidential speeches not only because of its central theme, the relationship between duty and obligation but also due to its logical and emotional appeal to the audience. The speech also advocates for global peace in the midst of the cold war and arms race (Sachs 5). A review of the literary piece reveals an effective use of both logos and ethos. This essay provides a rhetorical analysis of President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech including how he uses logical and emotional appeal to inspire the audience.
J. F. Kennedy utilizes logical reasoning throughout the speech to advocate for better internal relations. As a president of a superpower country in ascending to power at the height of the cold war, it was paramount that his speech not only advocates for global peace but also maintains a perception of the superiority of USA to the American people. The speech utilizes logical reasoning to address the newly discovered potential of nuclear weapons and the overall arms race. He rationalizes the need for peace between America and its foes saying that both sides must uphold peace “…before the dark powers of devastation unleashed by scientific discipline engulf all humanity…” This statement is an intellectual stimulant that uses logic to portray the dangers of warfare and weapons of mass destruction acquired during arms race and need for all concern parties to embrace peace. While President Kennedy reemphasizes America’s position as the global leader with regards to power in the speech, he utilizes reason to appeal to all humanity including American citizens of their capability if united. He states, "...Man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life." This logical statement appeal to people intellect to do good since it is within their capability to create a sane world as it is to destroy it.
The president also utilizes ethos effectively. He makes emotionally appealing statements to reassure the American people at the time of cold war, inspire patriotism and challenge the public into action. He reads, “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." This statement challenges the audience into action since it associates the fight for freedom as a privilege gifted to the very few. Another statement that displays the concept of ethos is “…And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” The statement is an emotion call to all American citizens to do what is right for the greater good of the country, an aspect that inspires both the feeling of duty to do just and an element of patriotism.
In conclusion, J.F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech is considered one of the best in the history of presidential speeches. A rhetorical analysis of the literature reveals the effective use of logos and ethos to communicate with the audience effectively. The president utilizes logic to advocate for peace insisting that it within man’s capability and that failure to do so spells doom to all of humanity. He also uses emotional appeal to inspire patriotism and a sense of duty to do good among all Americans. It is evident that President J.F. Kennedy presented an excellent speech that up to today still shows a positive correlation between duty and obligation to do good.
Works Cited
American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches. John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address. 2018. http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jfkinaugural.htm
Sachs, Jeffrey D. To move the world: JFK's quest for peace. Random House, 2013.
