John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

Allusion is an often implicit reference to a well-known person, place, or event from history, literature, or culture. Kennedy uses allusion to create a sense of history and continuity—and to emphasize the importance of certain values and ideas. He alludes to the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that America’s commitment to freedom is deeply rooted in its history and traditions (Paragraphs 2-4). In addition, he alludes to the Bible, quoting from it twice (Paragraphs 19 and 23) without stopping to differentiate his own words from God’s. In this respect, Kennedy waxes prophetic, using God’s words to do “God’s work” (Paragraph 28).

Anaphora refers to the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive units (clauses, sentences, paragraphs). For example, Kennedy begins Paragraphs 5, 17, 18, and 19 with “Let,” giving his declarations the feel and verbal force of edicts, commandments, or laws. He repeats the phrase “Let both sides…” in the section on disarmament (Paragraphs 17-19) to emphasize the importance of cooperation to prevent a nuclear war. The phrase “my fellow Americans,” which he uses to start Paragraphs 26 and 27, highlights the speech’s theme of unity and encourages Americans to work together.