Wednesday, September 26, 2012

In John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, what are some examples of how ethos is used?

If we can integrate the concept of ethos into the idea of
expressing inherently communal roots, Kennedy's inaugural address helps to bring out the
idea of what it means to be "American."  In this light, each time Kennedy invokes the
concept of "American" both to and from his audience, one sees an idea of ethos, or
goodness and good will emanating from and radiating to the audience.  For example, when
Kennedy calls out to the audience as in "My Fellow Americans," there is a sense of ethos
being established because of the idea of articulating a sense of community being
forged.  In suggesting that Kennedy is the leader of a "new generation of Americans,"
ethos is established in that there is a shared connection between speaker and audience. 
One of the most often quoted lines would also fit this classification:  "And so my
fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for
your country."  This brings to light both the goodness as well as the link of
communality shared between both speaker and audience.

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