Write an Essay that Analyzes Kennedy’s Rhetorical Choices

This articles answers the question: Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Kennedy makes to convey his message about the value of space travel.

Analysis of Rhetorical Choices Used to Convey the Message about the Value of Space Travel

President John F Kennedy’s Moon speech contains various rhetorical devices. Through the exceptional address, people learn what space travel means to the country and the benefits associated with it. He employs specific techniques, such as repetition and ethos, to make the speech stand out and convey clear messages, creating deeper meanings.

Repetition

The most notable rhetorical device in the address is repetition. As Kennedy says over and over again, becoming the first country to put a man on the moon is "of critical significance" and a source of "national pride" for the United States (Kennedy, 1961). These repetitive words are meant to remind everyone about the value of that milestone.

Metaphor and Similes

In order to convey the enormity of the work at hand, Kennedy applies several metaphors and similes. The mission to the moon was "the most perilous and risky and greatest adventure on which man has ever undertaken," he says (Kennedy, 1961). These analogies aid in communicating the sheer scale and peril of the task at hand.

Pathos, Ethos, and Logos

To rally support for the mission, Kennedy finally used pathos or emotional appeal. He promises people who take part in the expedition "great adventure and distinction" (Kennedy, 1961). He also discusses the lasting impact of the expedition, noting that its participants would be "remembered in all the annals of human history" (Kennedy, 1961). The goal of this heartfelt plea is to inspire others to join the mission and get them fired up to make history.

Also Read: Persuasive Essay Writing to learn about Pathos, Ethos, and Logos.

In the Moon Speech, President Kennedy used various rhetorical strategies to convince the American people of the value of funding the space program. He used pathos or emotional appeal by calling the space program "a huge new American enterprise" with "the largest foundation of support for any project in our history" (Kennedy, 1961). Kennedy won support for his cause by appealing to the nation's feelings of pride and success.

Kennedy also employs logos, or an appeal to reason, as a rhetorical strategy. Kennedy argues that the space program is "important to confronting the problems of the 1960s" and that it marks a "substantial increase in our spending" (Kennedy, 1961). Kennedy makes his argument for the space program by stressing its relevance and usefulness.

Finally, in his address about the moon, Kennedy utilizes ethos or an appeal to trustworthiness. According to Kennedy, the space program is "a test of our leadership in science and technology" and "a challenge to our inventiveness and our abilities" (Kennedy, 1961). Kennedy inspires faith and confidence in his listeners by praising their many talents and qualities.

President Kennedy's address on the moon was, in the end, a triumph of oratory. Kennedy makes a compelling argument for the significance of the space program by appealing to his audience's emotions, logic, and ethics.

Pathos: "the widest base of support for any venture in our history" and "a big new American business."

The logos: "an enormous boost in our investment" and "crucial to taking on the difficulties of the '60s."

The ideology: "a test of our leadership in science and technology."

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Stress or Accent in Speech

Speakers and writers may emphasize certain syllables to convey their intended meaning and/or persuade their readers. This strategy aids in captivating the audience and bolstering the credibility of the speaker’s arguments.

His statement that "no single space project in this time will be more remarkable to humanity, or more significant for the long-range exploration of space, and none will be more difficult or costly to achieve" is only one example. Kennedy often uses such techniques to stress certain points. Kennedy stresses the significance of the space program and the Moon landing by using the word "more" often.

Aphorism

We chose to go to the moon in this decade and accomplish the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard," Kennedy said. Kennedy utilizes anaphora here, which is repeating a word or phrase at the start of many sentences. Using this method, Kennedy is able to stress the difficulty of the space program rather than its simplicity.

Hyperbole

The last part of Kennedy's speech is filled with hyperbole: "The exploration of space will go forward, whether we engage in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time, and no country which wants to be the leader of other countries can expect to lag behind in the race for space." An exaggeration is used to emphasize the importance of the United States taking the lead in the space race.

Conclusions

In sum, President Kennedy's Moon address utilized a variety of rhetorical strategies to drive home the significance of the project and garner support for it. He succeeded in conveying the enormity of the work at hand and arousing enthusiasm for the chance to make history through repetition, metaphors, similes, and emotional appeal.

Kennedy uses repetition, metaphors, and other stylistic devices to supplement his speech. His ability to persuade and engage the audience is premised on using these techniques.

References

Kennedy, J. F. (1961, September 12). John F. Kennedy Speech. Rice University. https://www.rice.edu/jfk-speech