American president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in his inaugural address, expressed his perspective about the ideal future of The United States. In the speech, JFK not only reflects on the characteristics of the times but also shows the permanent core value of America, which is the pursuit of freedom and human rights. In order to persuade his American philosophy supporter audience, JFK argues his idea by using repetition and rhetorical question.
Repetition is an instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage--dwelling on a point. Used deliberately, repetition can be an effective rhetorical strategy for achieving emphasis. “For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they …show more content…
As for definition, a rhetorical question is a question that's asked merely for effect with no answer expected. The answer may be obvious or immediately provided by the questioner. “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?” This sentence shows JFK’s confidence of building a great alliance with other nations to fight against the enemies of man and to share commitment to world peace. “Will you join in that historic effort” suggest the JFK hopes his audience to understand that the pursuit of peace is not simply a business of individual states, but a common cause for all mankind. This rhetorical device not only expresses the JFK’s tough stand of building a universal alliance but also challenges the audience to contemplating about being part of the alliance he spoke of earlier. Also, it successfully evokes the reader’s interest and makes the reader to better participate his speech. In this way, JFK successfully captured his essential idea that all the nation should work together to fight against the common enemies of man——tyranny, poverty, disease, and
Repetition is an instance of using a word, phrase, or clause more than once in a short passage--dwelling on a point. Used deliberately, repetition can be an effective rhetorical strategy for achieving emphasis. “For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they …show more content…
As for definition, a rhetorical question is a question that's asked merely for effect with no answer expected. The answer may be obvious or immediately provided by the questioner. “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?” This sentence shows JFK’s confidence of building a great alliance with other nations to fight against the enemies of man and to share commitment to world peace. “Will you join in that historic effort” suggest the JFK hopes his audience to understand that the pursuit of peace is not simply a business of individual states, but a common cause for all mankind. This rhetorical device not only expresses the JFK’s tough stand of building a universal alliance but also challenges the audience to contemplating about being part of the alliance he spoke of earlier. Also, it successfully evokes the reader’s interest and makes the reader to better participate his speech. In this way, JFK successfully captured his essential idea that all the nation should work together to fight against the common enemies of man——tyranny, poverty, disease, and