Diction and Syntax of Jfk’s Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address was one of the most memorable and eloquent speeches in recent history. In this speech, he portrays true determination , the vigilant American spirit, and the optimism needed in harsh times. His speech is flooded with elegant and intricate examples of almost every literary term that one can think of. His speech is crafted so that it appeals to a wider audience more than any speech to date. He lists examples of his devotion to religion, the advancement of science, peace, patriotism, and optimism in the face of dark times.

He uses the elements of his speech as an attempt to excite Americans, and he wishes Americans to assist in building a better tomorrow along with him. He achieved this goal by having a short and intense speech. One of the particularly interesting concepts of his speech is how he uses elegant and educated words while still appealing to everyone. He does this with a variety of ways. The most notably are his methods for using diction and syntax.

President Kennedy’s choice of words was extremely inspirational, ethical, and devotional. He uses sensitive words such as freedom, liberty and tyranny. The usage of such strong terms evoke an emotional and ethical response in listeners, which is accumulates in most people as what is known as patriotism. Such abstract terms as freedom and liberty, really pull on the heartstrings of the people. Using such terms, he portrayed his figure to be similar to the original forefathers of the Constitution. Even though he used many terms that had long been uncommon, such as “forebears” and “asunder”, he stills manages to appeal to a wide audience. One of the most primary examples are the multiple mentioning of God. He fuses religious beliefs with ethical appeals that appeal to most types of religious Americans alike. He says “the rights of man come not from the state but from the hand of God”. With this he uses a religious reference to show the struggle of freedom and democracy in global terms. He uses “God” to declare the atrocities of Communism and Socialism. He speaks further of the shames of man that need to be addressed. A notable mentioning of this is when he says “those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside”. This is a statement that shows he acknowledges that even after over 2,000 years of what can be described as massive conflict, man still continues in futile engagements. He uses the reference of the tiger to give a prime example of power, and consumption. Consumption not only by failure to achieve impossible goals of infinite power, but the quest for power consumes people. He was well aware of the examples going on in the time of this speech, as well as in the past, and easily predictable examples yet to come. He uses powerful phrases such as “Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors”. This is a clear reference to the world at that time, and how almost every scientific discovery was being used to assist the futile armed conflict of man. Even though he sees war as a shame to mankind, he knows it is always necessary to defend your country as well as the helpless. One of the most prominent examples of this is when he speaks of “not as a call to battle, though embattled we are”. These words are powerful emotionally, and hold up the standard American concept of being a majorly peaceful nation, but at the same time willing to fight for a cause.