Question

inaugural address, 20 january 1961
john f. kennedy
public domain
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. 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.
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 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.
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.

1. how does president kennedy characterize his victory?
2. president kennedy says, the world is very different now. how is the world different? how, according to kennedy, is it the same?
3. how does president kennedy create sameness with the audience? does he do this in other areas of the speech as well?
4. the speech repeats we pledge... what is a pledge? how does president kennedy speak for the nation and to the world in these paragraphs?
5. what phrase is repeated in paragraphs 16 - 20? how does this section differ in meaning and tone from paragraphs 7 - 12?

Explanation:

1. Kennedy symbolizes his victory as a renewal of freedom rather than a party - victory. He emphasizes the broader ideals of freedom and the nation's commitment to human rights and heritage.
2. He describes the world as "very different now" as the power dynamics and global issues have changed. He mentions the power to abolish forms of human poverty and life - threatening issues, which were not as prominent or addressable in the past.
3. Kennedy creates a sense of unity and shared purpose with the audience by repeating "We pledge..." It shows the nation's collective commitment to various causes at home and abroad, creating a sense of togetherness and a call - to - action.
4. A pledge is a solemn promise. Kennedy pledges on behalf of the nation to uphold freedom, fight poverty, and support allies while opposing enemies in the name of liberty.
5. In paragraphs 16 - 20, the tone becomes more forceful and determined, with a focus on the nation's resolve to face challenges. In paragraphs 7 - 12, the tone is more aspirational and sets the stage for the nation's commitments, emphasizing the heritage and the new generation's role.

Answer:

1. He symbolizes it as a renewal of freedom, not just a party - victory.
2. The world is different as power has changed and issues like poverty are more prominent.
3. By repeating "We pledge...", he creates a sense of unity and shared purpose.
4. A pledge is a solemn promise; he pledges on behalf of the nation to various causes.
5. Paragraphs 16 - 20 have a more forceful tone; paragraphs 7 - 12 are more aspirational.