Analysis of Rhetorical Figures in John F.Kennedy's 'Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country'.

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iii Maranatha Christian University

ABSTRACT

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country merupakan pidato pelantikan presiden Amerika Serikat ke-35, John F. Kennedy. Pidato tersebut sangat terkenal bahkan hingga 50 tahun lebih setelah Kennedy menyampaikannya pada tanggal 20 Januari 1961.

Dalam menganalisis data, saya menggunakan teori Stylistics, yang mengkaji gaya bahasa dan penulisan sebuah teks. Salah satu aspek dari Stylistics adalah Rhetorical Figures. Saya membahas jenis-jenis Rhetorical Figures yang digunakan dalam pidato pelantikan Kennedy. Saya menemukan enam jenis Rhetorical Figures yang dominan, yaitu Antithesis, Climax, Parallelism, Chiasm, Anaphora, dan Repetition.

Setelah menganalisis pidato ini, saya menemukan 8 data Antithesis, 4 data Climax, 7 data Parallelism, 2 data Chiasm, 2 data Anaphora, dan 2 data Repetition. Dari keenam jenis Rhetorical Figures dalam pidato tersebut, Antithesis dan Parallelism paling sering digunakan. Penggunaan Antithesis dan Parallelism yang dominan ternyata efektif dalam mendukung penyampaian isi pidato tersebut. Secara umum keenam jenis Rhetorical Figures dalam pidato ini memiliki dua jenis fungsi. Tiga jenis Rhetorical Figures memiliki fungsi serupa, begitu pula dengan ketiga jenis Rhetorical Figures lainnya. Beragamnya jenis Rhetorical Figures

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iv Maranatha Christian University membuat pidato pelantikan presiden Kennedy ini menjadi sangat menarik bagi para pendengarnya.

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i Maranatha Christian University

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS ………... i

ABSTRACT ……….…… iii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Background of the Study ……… 1

Statement of the Problem ………...…. 4

Purpose of the Study ………... 4

Method of Research ……….... 4

Organization of the Thesis ……….. 4

CHAPTER TWO: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ………... 6

CHAPTER THREE: ANALYSIS OF RHETORICAL FIGURES IN JOHN F. KENNEDY’S ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU; ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY ………. 11

CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION ………. 47

BIBLIOGRAPHY ………... 52

APPENDICES Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country speech by John F. Kennedy ………..………… 55

Table 1. List of All Data ………... 60

Table 2. List of Antithesis ………..… 67

Table 3. List of Climax ………. 67

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ii Maranatha Christian University Table 5. Table of Chiasm ……….………. 70

Table 6. Table of Anaphora ……….……. 71 Table 7. Repetition ……… 72

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APPENDICES

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country speech by John F. Kennedy

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens:

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 (1) & (2). For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life (3). And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe -- the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling

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to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world (4).

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill (5), that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe (6)&(7), to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

This much we pledge -- and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge (8) & (9) the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do (10) & (11) -- for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge (8) & (9) our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom -- and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge (8) & (9) our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required -- not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich (12) & (13).

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To our sister republics south of our border, we offer (8) & (9) a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.

To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew (8) & (9) our pledge of support -- to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective, to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak, and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer (8) & (9) not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed (14).

But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course -- both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.

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So let us begin anew -- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate (15).

Let both sides explore (16) & (17) what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us (18).

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate (16) & (17) serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek (16) & (17) to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors (19). Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce (20). Let both sides unite (16) & (17) to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah -- to undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.

And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join (16) & (17) in creating a new endeavor -- not a new balance of power, but a new world of law -- where the strong are just, and the weak secure (21), and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days; nor in the life of this Administration; nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet (22). But let us begin.

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of

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Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again -- not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need -- not as a call to battle, though embattled we are -- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

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? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. 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 (23).

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country (24).

My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world (25), ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our

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deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

Table 1. List of All Data

No Sentence Kind of Rhetorical Figure

1 …symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change…

Antithesis

2 …symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change…

Parallelism

3 For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.

Repetition

4 …we are committed today at home and around the world.

Climax

5 Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price,…

Antithesis

6 …we shall…support any friend, oppose any foe…

Antithesis

7 that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe…

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8 To those old allies whose cultural and

spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends…

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control…

To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves…

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds…

To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support…

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request…

Parallelism

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spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends…

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control…

To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves…

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds…

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request…

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cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do…

11 United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do…

Parallelism

12 If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Antithesis

13 If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Parallelism

14 For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed

Repetition

15 Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.

Chiasm

16 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

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Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah -- to undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.

And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor -- not a new balance of power, but a new world of law -- where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

17 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute

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power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah -- to undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.

18 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Antithesis

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66 science instead of its terrors.

20 Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

Parallelism

21 …where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

Antithesis

22 All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days; nor in the life of this Administration; nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.

Climax

23 …will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

Climax

24 Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

Chiasm

25 Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world…

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67 Table 2. List of Antithesis

No No of Data Sentence

1 1 …symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change…

2 5 Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price,…

3 6 …we shall…support any friend, oppose any foe…

4 10 United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative

ventures. Divided there is little we can do…

5 12 If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

6 18 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

7 19 Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.

8 21 …where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

Table 3. List of Climax

No No of Data Sentence

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2 22 All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days; nor in the life of this Administration; nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.

3 23 …will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

4 25 Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world…

Table 4. List of Parallelism

No No of Data Sentence

1 2 …symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change

2 7 To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we

share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends…

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control... To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves…

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special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds... To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support…

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request...

3 8 United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative

ventures. Divided there is little we can do…

4 11 If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

5 13 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of

belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

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command of Isaiah -- to undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.

And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor -- not a new balance of power, but a new world of law -- where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.

6 16 Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

7 20 Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

Table 5. List of Chiasm

No No of Data Sentence

1 15 Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.

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71 do for your country.

Table 6. List of Anaphora

No No of Data Sentence

1 9 To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we

share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends…

To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control... To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts…

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds... To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support...

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request...

2 17 Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of

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Let both sides unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah -- to undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.

Table 7. List of Repetition

No No of Data Sentence

1 3 The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all

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73 forms of human life.

2 14 Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

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1 Maranatha Christian University

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

A president’s inaugural address is usually something boring and does not appeal to most people. After hearing an inaugural address which is usually quite long, people will just easily forget its contents. However, there is an inaugural address which is still remembered even more than 50 years after its delivery. The title is Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country. The title still remains a famous saying even until today. This is the inaugural address of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. It was delivered on January 20, 1961. There must be something very extraordinary in this text, so that it becomes memorable. Language wise, there must be some outstanding features in the text worth analysing.

In this thesis, I am going to analyse the use of rhetorical figures in John F. Kennedy’s Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country. I have decided to analyse the rhetorical figures in the speech as

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2 Maranatha Christian University my topic because, although Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country is a very short speech, it is so powerful that it has become memorable. The power of the speech is reflected through the rhetorical figures that are used in it. Thus, I feel interested in analysing the speech because this speech is considered to be one of the best inaugural addresses which is still remembered even until the next 50 years. “President John F. Kennedy would have been delighted to know that his inaugural address is still remembered and admired 50 years later” (“JFK’s Inaugural Speech: Six Secrets of His Success”).

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country is the fourth shortest inaugural address of the presidents of the United States. It contains only 1,364 words and takes only 14 minutes for the delivery. The speech provides an illustration of, or allusion to, the famous events during the era of John F. Kennedy. It is clearly seen from the title that the speech is about Kennedy’s call for Americans not to ask what their country can do for them, but what they can do for their country. Through the speech, Kennedy asks for the responsibility of the people to help the government. Besides being addressed to Americans, the speech is addressed to all citizens of the world. Kennedy asks everyone to fight together for the freedom of man. It is a persuasive speech that gives strong motivation to both citizens of America and citizens of the world.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy is the 35th president of the United States. Kennedy became a president at the age of 43. He became the first Roman Catholic president. His inaugural address offered the memorable phrase: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. He was

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3 Maranatha Christian University assassinated on November 22, 1963, when he was on motorcade. Kennedy was the youngest elected president of the United States and the youngest to die in office. In 1960, Kennedy was nominated to run for presidency, and he won in the presidential election. During his leadership, Kennedy made many achievements for his country. “He did get an increased minimum wage, better Social Security benefits, and an urban renewal package passed” (“John F. Kennedy”).

This study is significant because the readers can appreciate the form of a text more. A text is not just something that contains a message since the way of writing a text has its own importance. In this thesis, the text to be analysed is a president’s inaugural address that contains some kinds of rhetorical figures. This thesis presents the analysis of the use of rhetorical figures of a text and its function. By reading this thesis, the readers can get a better understanding of the text.

In analysing the rhetorical figures, I use linguistic approach. The linguistic element in the analysis is stylistic element, which deals with functional styles of a language. In Style in Fiction, it is stated that the word style refers to the way of how language is used (Leech 10). Stylistics describes “what use is made of language” (Leech 13). I use the theory of rhetoric, which deals with the superficial expressive form of language. Rhetorical figures are also known as ‘figures of speech’. A rhetorical figure can be defined as a deviation of the ordinary form of expression or ideas in order to produce a greater effect (“English for Students”). There are some kinds of rhetorical figures which are frequently used, such as metaphor, simile, personification, climax, and metonymy.

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4 Maranatha Christian University 1.2 Statement of the Problem

In this thesis, I am going to analyse:

1. What kinds of rhetorical figures are used in the speech? 2. What are the functions of the rhetorical figures in the speech?

1.3 Purpose of the Study

By carrying out this study, I intend:

1. to show the kinds of rhetorical figures used in the speech. 2. to find out the functions of the rhetorical figures in the speech.

1.4 Method of Research

The method of research used in this study is library research. At first, I searched for data from the Internet. I read the text of Kennedy’s inaugural address and then selected the data of the rhetorical figures used in the text. I analysed them with reference to some textbooks which deal with Linguistics and more specifically with Stylistics. I also took some supporting theories from the Internet for writing the research report.

1.5 Organization of the Thesis

This thesis consists of four chapters. It begins with Chapter One, the Introduction, consisting of Background of the Study, Statement of the Problem, Purpose of the Study, Method of Research, and Organization of the Thesis. Chapter Two contains the linguistic theories used as references in analysing the rhetorical

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5 Maranatha Christian University figures. In Chapter Three, I analyse the rhetorical figures in Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country. Chapter Four is the Conclusion. The thesis ends with the Bibliography and Appendices.

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47 Maranatha Christian University

CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION

In this chapter, I would like to draw the conclusion of the use of rhetorical figures in Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country. There are some interesting points that I find related to the use of rhetorical figures in the speech.

I have found six dominant rhetorical figures in Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country; namely antithesis (8 data), climax (4 data), parallelism (7 data), chiasm (2 data), anaphora (2 data), and repetition (2 data). Among them, antithesis and parallelism are the most frequently used.

Kennedy’s inaugural address is short, but I think Kennedy is smart to include rich variations of rhetorical figures in the speech. There are more than two kinds of rhetorical figures which are frequently repeated. Therefore, the speech does not make the audience feel bored.

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48 Maranatha Christian University Antithesis and parallelism are the most dominant rhetorical figures in the speech. However, none of the data containing either antithesis or parallelism is more famous than the phrase Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country, which is a kind of chiasm, which appears only twice in the speech. It shows that the most dominant figure does not necessarily mean the most famous one. In my opinion, the phrase Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country is famous because at that time it was a brand new statement that people had never heard before. An inaugural address generally contains more or less the promises of the new leader assuring the citizens that they have made the right decision by voting for them. It seems that Kennedy does not focus on promising, but challenges the citizens of America to contribute. The phrase becomes more effective because Kennedy uses you as the subject, instead of we. It makes the phrase a direct imperative statement as well as an enlightening statement to the audience.

Furthermore, the speech is famous not only for its antithesis and parallelism but also for the whole rhetorical figures in it. The significance of the antithesis and parallelism is not in making the words or sentences memorable, but more in their effect on the audience at that time.

Antithesis, a rhetorical figure in which there is a contrasting relationship between two ideas which are joined or juxtaposed, is the most frequently used in the speech. I think that the dominant use of antithesis in the speech is effective. In half of the data containing antithesis, Kennedy emphasizes the contrast between

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49 Maranatha Christian University good and bad. He states the bad things and then he states what should be done. In the rest of the data of antithesis, Kennedy does not stress the contrast between good and bad; he gives a sense of balance from the opposite ideas. He gives hopes to Americans that there will be equality. He also motivates them to be strong in any condition. At that time, being in Cold War, Americans were in need of hope and encouragement. Americans needed someone whom they can trust to lead their future. Through the use of antithesis in his inaugural speech, Kennedy, the new young president, gives Americans hope and encouragement.

Parallelism is the rhetorical figure which is most frequently used after antithesis. Parallelism consists of several parts of a sentence or several sentences which are similar in their structures. The data on parallelism in the speech have the same structure. By using the same structure in many parts, Kennedy creates rhythm in the speech. In my opinion, it is one of the factors that keep the audience engrossed in the speech.

Two of the data on parallelism reveal that Kennedy addresses his speech not only to his country but also to other nations in the world. The first data shows that there are several groups of people and nations whom Kennedy makes promises to. The other is addressed to America and its enemies, in which Kennedy shows his desire for peace. I think it is a good point that Kennedy includes other nations in his speech. At that time, mass access to television was newly available. Since television was a new thing, people were naturally interested in it. Kennedy’s inaugural address was broadcasted all over the world. In my opinion, involving other countries in the speech is a good way to raise Kennedy’s popularity.

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50 Maranatha Christian University Each of the rhetorical figures has its own function. An antithesis is used both to balance contrasting ideas and to highlight them. Climax shows that the last is the most important. Parallelism shows that the ideas have equal importance. Parallelism also adds balance, rhythm and clarity to the sentence. Chiasm is often used for witty or aphoristic effect. Anaphora can be used to underline descriptive and emotional effects. Repetition gives emphasis or emotive heightening to the repeated parts. These functions can be generally categorized into two kinds. Antithesis, climax, and parallelism show the importance of the ideas. Chiasm, anaphora, and repetition, whether they are aphorisms or emotional effects, are used to affect the audience. Each of the functions is portrayed through three kinds of rhetorical figures, so that there is equal division. Kennedy does not want to bore his audience so he uses different kinds of rhetorical figures that have a similar function.

All the rhetorical figures and their functions enhance the speech; they add beauty to the form of the speech, emphasize the important points of the speech, and also give encouragement to the audience. Since the speech is a president’s inaugural address, it is important for him to affect the audience. A president’s inaugural address has to have something special that can grab people’s attention. The rhetorical figures in Kennedy’s inaugural address make the speech more appealing and convincing. Kennedy succeeds in using rhetorical figures in his inaugural address.

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51 Maranatha Christian University Since there are still many other kinds of rhetorical figures in Kennedy’s speech that can be analysed, further researches on the use of rhetorical figures in it may be of great advantage.

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52 Maranatha Christian University

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dictionary References

“Beginning.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Belabour.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Divide.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Divided.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “End.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Enemy.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Explore.” Def 2. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Foe.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Friend.” Def 3. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Ill.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Oppose.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Poor.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Rich.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Strong.” Def 5. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Support.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Terror.” Def 2. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “The few.” Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print.

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53 Maranatha Christian University “The many.” Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print.

“Unite.” Def 2. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “United.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Weak.” Def 4. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Well.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Wonder.” Def 5. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. Primary Text

“Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States”. Bartleby. Web. 20 Feb 2012.

References

“50 Negara Bagian Amerika Serikat”. Anneahira. Web. 10 Sep 2012.

Atkinson, Max. “JFK’s Inaugural Speech: Six Secrets of His Success”. BBC. 19 Jan 2011. Web. 8 Jul 2013.

Auner, Eric. “The Cold War Is Long Gone, but the Nuclear Threat Is Still Here”. The Atlantic. 20 Dec 2011. Web. 12 Mar 2013.

Biddle, Sam. “How Many Nukes Would It Take to Blow Up the Entire Planet”. Gizmodo. 5 Apr 2012. Web. 13 Mar 2013.

C. Megan. “Ten Diseases That Can’t Be Cured”. Read The Smiths. Web. 26 Mar 2013.

“Cold War”. Citizendium. 22 Oct 2011. Web. 23 Feb 2013. “Declaration of Independence”. Archives. Web. 12 Mar 2013.

Friedman, Milton. “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You”. Classic Liberal. 20 Jan 2011. Web. 9 Nov 2012.

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54 Maranatha Christian University Harris, Robert A.“A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices”. Virtual Salt. 22 Nov 2011.

Web. 16 Mar 2012.

“Imagining the Internet”. Elon. Web. 4 Mar 2013.

Kaufman, Burton I. “The Cold War”. The History Professor. Web. 24 Feb 2013. Kelly, Martin. “John F. Kennedy”. American History. Web. 13 Apr 2012. Leech, Geoffrey N. Style in Fiction. London: Longman, 1981. Print.

Leech, Geoffrey N., and M.H. Short. A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry. London: Longman, 1969. Print.

McQuarrie, Edward F. and David Glen Mick. “Figures of Rhetoric in Advertising Language”. 25 Jan 2012.Web. 21 Mar 2012.

Nordquist, Richard. “Repetition”. Grammar About. Web. 16 Mar 2012.

Paul, Anthony and Boris Wiseman. “Chiasmus and Culture”. Rhetoric Culture. Web. 8 Jul 2013.

Peters, Gerhard. “The American Presidency Project”. Presidency. Web. 13 Mar 2013.

Plutarch. “Explorations in Social Inequality”. Trinity. Web. 25 Feb 2013. Roger, Philippe. “The American Enemy”. Press Uchicago. Web. 9 Nov 2012. Song, Xue. “American Poverty and Welfare Reform”. Oycf. Web. 13 Mar 2013. Stewart, Carlyle Fielding. “M. L. King Jr. and the Five Forms of Human Poverty”.

Carlyle Stewart. Web. 13 Mar 2013. “US History”. Elcoushistory. Web. 3 Sep 2012.

“US Nuclear Power Policy”. World - nuclear. Web. 13 Mar 2013. Wales, Katie. A Dictionary of Stylistics. London: Longman, 1989. Print. “When Allies Tumble”. Economist. 3 Feb 2011. Web. 25 Mar 2012.

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49 Maranatha Christian University

good and bad. He states the bad things and then he states what should be done. In the rest of the data of antithesis, Kennedy does not stress the contrast between good and bad; he gives a sense of balance from the opposite ideas. He gives hopes to Americans that there will be equality. He also motivates them to be strong in any condition. At that time, being in Cold War, Americans were in need of hope and encouragement. Americans needed someone whom they can trust to lead their future. Through the use of antithesis in his inaugural speech, Kennedy, the new young president, gives Americans hope and encouragement.

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50 Maranatha Christian University

Each of the rhetorical figures has its own function. An antithesis is used both to balance contrasting ideas and to highlight them. Climax shows that the last is the most important. Parallelism shows that the ideas have equal importance. Parallelism also adds balance, rhythm and clarity to the sentence. Chiasm is often used for witty or aphoristic effect. Anaphora can be used to underline descriptive and emotional effects. Repetition gives emphasis or emotive heightening to the repeated parts. These functions can be generally categorized into two kinds. Antithesis, climax, and parallelism show the importance of the ideas. Chiasm, anaphora, and repetition, whether they are aphorisms or emotional effects, are used to affect the audience. Each of the functions is portrayed through three kinds of rhetorical figures, so that there is equal division. Kennedy does not want to bore his audience so he uses different kinds of rhetorical figures that have a similar function.

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51 Maranatha Christian University

Since there are still many other kinds of rhetorical figures in Kennedy’s speech that can be analysed, further researches on the use of rhetorical figures in it may be of great advantage.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dictionary References

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53 Maranatha Christian University

“The many.” Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Unite.” Def 2. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “United.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Weak.” Def 4. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Well.” Def 1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print. “Wonder.” Def 5. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 7th ed. 2005. Print.

Primary Text

“Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States”. Bartleby. Web. 20 Feb 2012.

References

“50 Negara Bagian Amerika Serikat”. Anneahira. Web. 10 Sep 2012.

Atkinson, Max. “JFK’s Inaugural Speech: Six Secrets of His Success”. BBC. 19 Jan 2011. Web. 8 Jul 2013.

Auner, Eric. “The Cold War Is Long Gone, but the Nuclear Threat Is Still Here”. The Atlantic. 20 Dec 2011. Web. 12 Mar 2013.

Biddle, Sam. “How Many Nukes Would It Take to Blow Up the Entire Planet”. Gizmodo. 5 Apr 2012. Web. 13 Mar 2013.

C. Megan. “Ten Diseases That Can’t Be Cured”. Read The Smiths. Web. 26 Mar 2013.

“Cold War”. Citizendium. 22 Oct 2011. Web. 23 Feb 2013. “Declaration of Independence”. Archives. Web. 12 Mar 2013.

Friedman, Milton. “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You”. Classic Liberal. 20 Jan 2011. Web. 9 Nov 2012.

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54 Maranatha Christian University

Harris, Robert A.“A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices”. Virtual Salt. 22 Nov 2011. Web. 16 Mar 2012.

“Imagining the Internet”. Elon. Web. 4 Mar 2013.

Leech, Geoffrey N., and M.H. Short. A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry. London: Longman, 1969. Print.

McQuarrie, Edward F. and David Glen Mick. “Figures of Rhetoric in Advertising Language”. 25 Jan 2012.Web. 21 Mar 2012.

Nordquist, Richard. “Repetition”. Grammar About. Web. 16 Mar 2012.

Paul, Anthony and Boris Wiseman. “Chiasmus and Culture”. Rhetoric Culture. Web. 8 Jul 2013.

Peters, Gerhard. “The American Presidency Project”. Presidency. Web. 13 Mar 2013.

Carlyle Stewart. Web. 13 Mar 2013. “US History”. Elcoushistory. Web. 3 Sep 2012.

Analysis of Rhetorical Figures in John F.Kennedy's 'Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country'.

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDICES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Parts

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Analysis of Rhetorical Figures in John F.Kennedy's 'Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You; Ask What You Can Do For Your Country'.

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDICES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Parts

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A Credit Repair Agency What Can It Do For You

How paint can affect your family s health and what you can do about it

What Online Pharmacies Can Do For You

You ll Never Guess What A Massage Chair Recliner Can Do For You

What Does Your Brokerage Do For You

What is a CA Debt Consolidation Loan What can it do for you

What Is Adware and What Can You Do to Prevent It from Affecting Your System

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