TOW #11: Nonfiction piece

In the inaugural address by John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, Kennedy uses first person plural pronouns as well as juxtaposition in order to ensure trust into the the American people.  I believe that through the use of these rhetorical devices Kennedy manages to not only ensure trust in his audience, but he does so by proving his responsibility as a leader and an American citizen.  Through the usage of first person plural pronouns Kennedy establishes that he is not in particularly someone of a higher power, but someone of equal power as his audience: an American citizen.  In some cases Kennedy even establishes that the American citizens have just as much power as he does, creating a sense of responsibility in both the audience and president Kennedy.  This is present in Kennedy's speech in paragraph four when he states that “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution” (para. 4).  By stating this Kennedy is sharing his newly acquired power with the American people by telling his audience that both him and the American people are what will determine the future of the United States; that they carry the legacy given to them by the founders of America, not just Kennedy.  Kennedy also uses juxtaposition in order to increase nationality in his country.  Juxtaposition can be found in this inaugural address when Kennedy states that we, as the American people, should “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” (para. 5).  This is an example of juxtaposition because it presents to the audience that other countries cannot accomplish the tasks that the United States is capable of achieving. Through this usage of first person plural pronouns and juxtaposition, Kennedy manages to create a memorable and uplifting speech for the citizens of the United States.