How Does Kennedy Use Figurative Language In Jfk Inaugural Address

During the climax of the Cold War, newly elected United States president, John F. Kennedy, delivered his inaugural address and presented his political agenda for the upcoming years as president. Kennedy’s purpose in his inaugural address is to unite nations and peoples across world to promote worldwide peace and international security. To achieve his purpose and inspire the audience, Kennedy employed a variety of rhetorical strategies. Throughout his speech, Kennedy uses juxtaposition to develop his claims and ideas while refuting opposing ideas. When declaring the importance of having countries unite to conquer worldly problems, Kennedy states, “United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do” (7). This statement helps Kennedy achieve his purpose in delivering this speech because it …show more content…
Two of the issues which Kennedy identifies are the “bonds of mass misery” (9) and the “chains of poverty” (10). When describing the two, Kennedy uses imagery to allow the audience to visualize the global problems. He also uses this imagery to declare what the United States will do in order to resolve the issue. The country will offer aid to the struggling around the world and help them because it is the right thing to do, not because the communists are doing to it. Kennedy also jabs at the communists again with a metaphor about power. He claims, “Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside” (8). This metaphor helps Kennedy to achieve his purpose by illustrating the dangers of a country siding with the communists. If countries foolishly side with the communists in order to become powerful, they will ultimately fail in the end. Kennedy wants to promote international peace by limiting the influence of communism in the world by stating how it is futile to