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Figures of Speech in Kennedy’s Inaugural Addre
I.Introduction
The American Presidential Inaugural Addre(APIA)is a very important variety with worldwide influence and long-lasting significance.In the addre the speaker makes great efforts to make his policy known to the public and to persuade the public to accept and support his policies.To achieve the aims, the addre has to resort to lots of figures of speech among other things.Take John F.Kennedy’s Inaugural Addre as an example for analyzing.II.The Analysis of the Figures of Speech in Kennedy’s Inaugural Addre
The author employed suitable rhetoric devices to create the desired emotional impact, so this speech is highly rhetorical.Figures of speech-metaphor, antithesis, parallelism and repetition are well used.1.Metaphor 1.1Definition of Metaphor: a word or a phrase used to describe sb./sth.else, in a way that is different from its normal use, in order to show the two things have the same qualities and to make the description more powerful, for example she has a heart of stone--reference to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese dictionary on Page1265 1.2Application of Metaphor in the Speech 1.2.1“...those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.”(Para.7)The usage of metaphor makes the description vivid to warn the new states to maintain their own freedom.1.2.2“And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.”(Para.9)In this sentence, the author compares the Americans to a house, and emphasizes on letting every country know the nation of this hemisphere will not tolerate any interference in their affairs by counties outside this hemisphere.1.2.3“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.”(Para.24)Here the energy, the faith and the devotion of the American people is compared to a fire that will light the United States and the world.This is to say the energy, the faith and the devotion will inspire not only the United States and her people but also the whole world。
2.Antithesis
2.1Definition of Antithesis: a contrast between two things--reference to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese dictionary on Page75 2.2Application of Antithesis in the Speech
2.2.1“United, there is little we cannot do in a host of co-operative ventures.Divided, there is little we can do, for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.”(Para.6)“Divided” is balanced against “United” and “little we can do” against “little we cannot do”.Through the contrast the author points out the significance of lasting cooperation with the old allies.2.2.2“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot the few who are rich.”(Para.8)Here “few” and “rich” are balanced against “many” and “poor”.In a sense Kennedy is right.If the poor are continuously exploited and oppreed, they will rise up some day and overthrow the rule of “the few who are rich”.2.2.3“And so, my fellow Americans ask not what your country can do for you;ask what you can do for your country.”(Para.25)“Country” and “you” are balanced in the two clauses.This is to appeal people to do more and require le.3.Parallelism 3.1Definition of Parallelism: the state of being similar;a similar feature--reference to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese dictionary on Page1444 3.2Application of Parallelism in the Speech 3.2.1“To those old allies...To those nations who would make themselves our adversary...”(Para.6-11)These paragraphs begin with the same types, which makes the paage coherent.3.2.2“Let both sides...Let both sides...”(Para.14-18)These paragraphs are given around a topic “to explore what problems unite them”.4.Repetition 4.1Definition of Repetition: the act of saying the same thing many times--reference to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese dictionary on Page1688 4.2Application of Repetition in the Speech 4.2.1“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.”（Para.1）The repetition of the phrase “as well as” is employed to emphasize the importance of Kennedy’s election as president.”
4.2.2“For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”（Para.12）The repetition of “beyond doubt” the significance of arms.4.2.3“...and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.”（Para.16）Here are repetition of “absolute” and “nations”.Kennedy is here proposing the control and limitation of nuclear weapons and also international inspection of their production.III.Conclusion
To sum up, Kennedy's inaugural speech is a succeful speech.In order to arouse the audience emotionally, Kennedy makes full use of rhetorical devices, in which metaphor, antithesis, parallelism and repetition are used most frequently.That makes it have a strong appeal as well as a high value of appreciation.
