Jfk Rhetorical Analysis Essay

1. a. What is the overall tone of Kennedy’s speech? (1 K)
The overall tone of Kennedy’s speech is that of Patriotism. b. Support your answer with evidence from the speech. (1 T)
This Patriotism is especially evident when Kennedy tells his “…fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you- -ask what you can do for your country” (109-110).
2. a. Explain how Kennedy’s diction contributes to the overall tone of the speech. (1 K)
Kennedy’s choice of words and phrases such as, “liberty”, “freedom” and “United there is little we cannot do…” directly contribute to the overall tone of Patriotism in his Inaugural speech.

b. Support your answer with evidence. (1 T)
Kennedy’s diction especially emphasizes the Patriotic tone when he states “Let every nation know…we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship…to assure the survival and success of liberty” (22-24) …show more content…
a. Provide examples for FIVE of the following rhetorical devices in the speech: alliteration, metaphor, allusion, rhetorical question, anaphora, parallelism, antithesis, hyperbole. (5 K)
An example of allusion can be found near the very beginning of Kennedy’s speech when he says “…I have sworn before you and Almighty God…” (6).
Kennedy uses rhetorical questions when he asks “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance…that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?” (99-101).
Kennedy uses anaphora as he repeats several times throughout his speech the phrase “Let both sides…” (71-82).
An example of Kennedy’s use of a metaphor is seen when he speaks of “casting off the chains of poverty” (45). Kennedy uses both antithesis and alliteration in his statement, “…support any friend, oppose any foe…”

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