JFK Inauguration speech review (Essay Sample)

President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural Address & Declaration of Independence
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President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural Address & Declaration of Independence
Part 1
In his inaugural address on January 20 of 1961, John F Kennedy stated that this kind of challenge in a great country like ours must always be there. Predominantly, JFK's speech features the classics of causation and opening, which are both highly beneficial to his speech in their ability to captivate the audience. Consequently, they would be compelled to listen with much attention. Throughout JFK's speech, the use of causation and opening helped to build credibility and authority on his part.
The causation is used early in JFK's speech when he says, “This is a magnificent city and a great people” (Kennedy, 1961). Resultantly, the audience must accept that JFK is not only speaking for himself but the American people. This is one of the main reasons why he uses opening along with causation. Furthermore, they propound his credibility and authority. The audience will realize that JFK has not exaggerated his choice of words by using these types of words in an inaugural address.
Also, the speech features metaphors, which help to keep the audience enlightened. For example, when JFK says that “we shall pay any price, bear any burden… support any friend, oppose any foe, “ he uses a metaphor to help the audience remember what America stands for (Kennedy, 1961). He is saying that America will do anything to defend itself and its allies.
Nevertheless, JFK applies several other rhetorical devices to develop a clear and exceptional speech. He incorporates the literary device of personification by stating, “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans” (Kennedy, 1961). This is done to bring the audience back to when America was founded. Although, JFK does not literally mean that the torch was passed from one generation to another.
Part 2
The Declaration of Independence is a historical document written by Thomas Jefferson and his fellow American founders. Armitage (2021) propounds that “the declaration of independence was created to deliver a message.” Perceptively, the colonists had exhausted all means of solving their problems through negotiation, and they were now preparing to end their relationship with Great Britain by force.
The Declaration of Independence is a collection of grievances against the king. Notably, Jefferson justifies that America's inability to solve their problems through negotiations ultimately led to revolution. The Declaration sets forth idealistic and philosophical principles for why America should be the way it is.
Indeed, the document contains the following features that have etched it in America's history: Proclamation of God, and declaration of Indivisibility of American Freedom. Also, it propounds America as a land founded on universal principles; Repudiation of an established church and religious tests; An enumeration of the natural rights of man; and finally the principle of separation of powers.
The Declaration of Independence is effective because it includes an enumeration of America's grievances against the King of Great Britain; Thomas Jefferson and other colonies set forth idealistic and philosophical principles for why America must be a certain way. Ultimately, it establishes American Liberty as something that all individuals share. This document has become a symbol of American independence and freedom throughout history.
The irony in the Declaration of Independence is coupled with Jefferson's unique style in that he uses a moderate tone. Overall, this style was changed over time to reflect more an