Fantastic Price of Freedom Essay

 

John F. Kennedy delivers his speech with many important aspects in mind. As with Patrick Henry’s speech to the Virginia Convention and George Bush’s speech following September 11^th, Kennedy’s Inaugural Address can be seen as magnificent and very similar. These speeches are undeniably alike due to their essential word choice. The complex issues that arise from them are easily communicated and understood by the audience through the various speaker’s syntax. Kennedy’s interpersonal purpose is accentuated through his prodigious words and concentrated syntax.

In Kennedy’s Inaugural Address his purpose is made quite clear. Just as in Bush’s and Henry’s speech, Kennedy sees the need to invoke excitement and courage from his audience. Kennedy also wants to appeal to his audience by presenting himself as a thoughtful, well-educated, caring leader: “I do not shrink from this responsibility; I welcome it”. When Kennedy proclaims these actions, he is hoping to generate some confidence from the audience of his leadership. Due to his careful word choice, Kennedy’s purpose is executed very well throughout his speech.

Kennedy uses interpersonal words to unite him with his audience. Painting a vivid sense of unity, Kennedy used “we”, “us”, and “our” in his speech—just as Bush did in his September 11^th speech. The unity flows throughout the pages, triggering emotions and feelings of the audience. For example, in Kennedy’s first words he accentuates unity, futuristic ideas, excitement, and ambition into the hearts and eyes of his abundant audience: “We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom, symbolizing an end as well as a beginning, signifying renewal as well as change”. Such abstract ideas as freedom, renewal, and change spark the ambition and excitement in the lives of his audience. This portrayal of excitement was sought after by Patrick Henry as well in his speech when he wanted the delegates to realize the need for a war for independence. More positive connotations were derived from Kennedy’s speech in his reference to light and dark. For example, in “…,that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans,…” and in, “the energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can truly light the world”. These quotes use senses of light to symbolize a good future and to act as a positive reinforcement in his speech. This comparison and use of light and dark could also be seen in Patrick Henry’s speech. With all the powerful, meaningful words Kennedy uses, he successfully fulfills the meaning hidden behind the text.

Kennedy creates a true connection between himself and the reader. He presents himself as an intelligent, ambitious human being,and creates an appealing persona all through his word choice, which depicts his important purpose as well. He unifies his audience and unifies his message in a beautiful, masterful manor.

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