HSC study page by S D'Souza

CONTEXT

U.S. President John F. Kennedy gave his inaugural address on Friday, January 20, 1961. It was a well-written speech that stated President Kennedy’s vision and mission for his term in office, including a challenge to his generation: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”Kennedy was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and well-read, but he also depended on Ted Sorenson and an able staff of speech writers. Sorenson stated in his book on the Kennedy years that the President was the sole architect of the speech.

NOTES

from http://www.putlearningfirst.com/language/20rhet/jfk.html

Kennedy’s speech is his first public speech after taking office. His intention is to please everyone, get his presidency off to a positive start and not offend anyone. Consequently there is very little information and no controversy. One statement is perfectly balanced by another:
symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change.

“… this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.”

and the splendour of triumphal metaphors

“the torch has been passed”, “the hand of God”

makes the audience feel positive and patriotic.

He summons every positive field of American pride and respect, alluding to
“freedom” , “Almighty God” , “our forebears” , “our ancient heritage”

calling on pride and honour to support his presidency but remaining imprecise about his cause and his objectives.

The speech is a good example of the phatic function of language, in which content and meaning is less important than the act of communicating (“how are you?”, “lovely day”)

No-one can disgree with this speech, but its effect is strong, emotional and positive. He uses politically affective words such as “rights of man”, “human rights” which suggests the positive without committing him to any particular course of action.

JFK Analysis