You are correct in seeing this as an address primarily
given through "pathos." It certainly appeals to the emotional side of the United States
citizens. However, a closer look will illustrate that both ethos and logos were on
Kennedy's side as well.
Having developed a strong enough
character to lead the United States, Kennedy is also able to appeal to logos, which is
an "appeal based on logic or
reason."
Let's look at a section of his
speech:
To
those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge 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.
As the leader of the
free world, Kennedy is able to appeal "to those new states whom we welcome to the ranks
of the free." He's in charge of those ranks, and thus has the authority for welcome
them. Logically, we take the last line of the paragraph: "and to remember that, in the
past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside."
Reason tells us that if you try to ride on the back of a tiger, you will be attacked and
eaten. Here, he is saying that people who have newly realized freedom, must continue to
fight to develop it, but that the United States will be there to help if
necessary.
While logos and pathos are evident here in this
paragraph, the speech appeals to ethos throughout.
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