Unit 4 Inaugural Address -- John F. Kennedy. Ⅰ. Background knowledge Ⅱ. Introduction to the passage Ⅲ. Detailed study of the text Ⅳ. Organizational Pattern.

Unit 4Unit 4

Inaugural AddressInaugural Address-- John F. Kennedy-- John F. Kennedy

Unit 4Unit 4

Inaugural AddressInaugural Address-- John F. Kennedy-- John F. Kennedy

Ⅰ. Background knowledge

Ⅱ. Introduction to the passage Ⅲ. Detailed study of the text Ⅳ. Organizational PatternⅤ. Language featureⅥ. Questions for discussion

Ⅰ. Background knowledge1.The presidential election system2.Inauguration day & Presidential oath 4.John F. Kennedy5.Biblical allusion and biblical style 6.Cold War7.Arms Race

Presidential Election System

By law any natural-born American citizen of and over 35 years of age can run for the Presidency.

But in fact only the candidates nominated by the two major parties, the Republican and the Democratic, have the chances to win a Presidential election.

.

• The choosing of a candidate for the Presidency is extremely important for both parties. To do this, each party holds its national convention every four years, in the summer before the general election.

• The convention 大会 is an assembly of party bosses and activists. Several months before the convention, all the aspirants ， for nomination begin their personal campaigns within the party.

• His purpose is to have his supporters chosen as delegates to the convention. The more supporters he has, the bigger is the chance for him to be nominated for the candidacy. This process is called the primary election

To win a Presidential election, a candidate has to spend many millions of dollars which comes from its personal collection, party’s help and grant from the Government.

He has to travel all over the country, making countless speeches and shaking hands with countless voters.

He has to face his rival in debates on television.

He has to make the best use of his glib tongue and arouse public confidence in him.

A candidate must also try to profit from his rival’s disadvantage, making harsh attacks on his policies and exposing his personal flaw. This may become very disgusting sometimes. When Lincoln ran for the Presidency, his mother, for example, was abused of immortality.

A presidential candidate also tires to collect information about his rivals so as to employ the most profitable tactics. The case in point was Nixon’s Watergate break-in.

The general election , held on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each election year.

Inauguration day and presidential oath

The first one: on April 30, 1789, George Washington.

Since 1937, Inauguration Day has been changed to Jan, 20.

On this day every four years the newly elected president of the United states faces the people for the first time and takes the presidential oath of office and delivers his inaugural address.

• The solemn presidential oath: traditionally administered by the Chief Justice, is prescribed in Article II, section 1 of the Constitution of the United States.

• “ I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States

John F. Kennedy

Kennedy is the 35th President , was sworn on January 20, 1961,

Born: May 29, 1917, in Brookline, MassachusettsDied: November 22, 1963, in Dallas, TexasNickname: "JFK"Married: Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (1929-1994), on

September 12, 1953Religion: Roman CatholicEducation: Graduated from Harvard College

(1940)Political Party: Democrat

President Kennedy's inaugural address was both eloquent and memorable. He stood before the capitol, handsome and youthful

at age 43, calling for a fresh spirit in national life: '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.

Career: author; officer, U.S. Navy, 1941-45; newspaper correspondent; member of House of Representatives,1947-53; United States Senator, 1953-61; President of the United States, 1961-63

• He was the first Roman Catholic to become president of the United Stated.

• At 43 he was also the youngest man ever elected to the highest office of his country. He was a Harvard graduate

John F. Kennedy was a war hero, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author,.

In November 1960, at the age of 43, John F. he became the youngest man ever elected president of the United States.

His death:

He was assassinated in November 1963, when journeyed to Texas for a speech-making tour.

He was shot in the neck and head by a 24-year-old man. He died half hour later.

Within two hours, vice-president Johnson took the oath as president.

A state funeral was held for him.

• His Inaugural Address offered the memorable injunction: "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."

Biblical allusion and biblical style

The Bible is a rich source of allusions, both from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Many are well-known. Those that are not can be easily looked up in the Bible. Below are some of the most common ones:

The Old Testament The New Testament

Biblical styleIn terms of paragraphs and

forms More short paragraphs More italics, but not all of them for

emphasis. With the word ‘Lord, God’ capitalized

In term of grammar Instead of elliptical and complicated

sentences, the structures of the sentences are simple and complete

The old form of pronouns, such as ‘ye, thou,thee, thy’ etc

The verb form in the second version is in the oldest ‘-est’ form. eg, shouldest.

There is no abbreviation There is no auxiliary in negative form ‘shall’ is not only used to express

future time, but contain some modal meaning.

Some inversions are no longer in use in modern English

In term of vocabulary There are some archaic words which are not

used today. eg subtil----subtle Most of the words are short and small Some words are not old enough, the use of them

have altered completely. eg eat of , gave of The ‘did eat’ in the paragraph is not for

emphasizing, but indicating past tense, This is often seen in biblical style.

Some words are specifically employed in the Bible

Cold War• It refers to the period 1953—

1964. The United States and the nations of Western Europe began to fear Soviet Power. The Soviets were feared of Western Power. A situation of distrust and hostility between them is called Cold War.

• The most visible part of The Cold War was the arms race. Massive and expensive militarization movements on the part of both nations involved caused a new psychology to develop. Mutually assured destruction (appropriately know as MAD) was the philosophy that both

• nations had the power to destroy each other completely in the event of an attack. The theory was based on three ideas. One: both nations have enough weapons to destroy the other, two: both nations can detect a first strike before it arrives, and three: both nations are able to respond adequately before they hit by the first strike. The invention and perfection of the International Ballistic Missile (ICBM) was the beginning of MAD.

Arms race An arms race is a competition between two

or more countries for military supremacy. Each party competes to produce superior numbers of weapons or superior military technology in a technological escalation.

Historical examples of arms races abound. One significant recent example was the race to develop more and better nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

• The term "arms race" is used generically to describe any competition where there is no absolute goal, only the relative goal of staying ahead of the other competitors. Evolutionary arms races are common occurrences .

General understanding General understanding of the speechof the speech

• The object of a political speech is to explain, convince and persuade the people that what he is saying and planning to do best represents their interests so they should support him.

• As president of the United States, Kennedy has to address a worldwide audience. He has to appeal not only to the American people but also to the different groups of nations in the international community.

• The message in the speech is clear. The United States, the self-appointed leader of the “free democracies”, is prepared to pay any price to defend human rights and the liberty and independence of free nations, so these nations should support and accept the leadership of the United States. There is veiled threat, warning and advice to the enemy camp.

Ⅱ. Introduction to the passage

1.Type of literature This is a political speech. The object of political speech is to

explain, convince and persuade the people that what he is saying and planning to do best represents their interests so that they should support him.

To do this successfully, the speaker must first understand the psychology of the audience to whom he is directing his words and then employ suitable rhetorical devices and words to create the desired emotional impact

2.Main idea:

As president of the United States, Kennedy has to address a worldwide audience. He has to appeal not only to the American people but also to the different groups of nations. In order to understand and evaluate his speech better, we should also bear in mind that he became president during the cold-war period when the world was divided into two hostile camps.

The message of the address is clear. The United States, the self-appointed leader of the “free democracies”, is prepared to pay any price to defend human rights and the liberty and independence of free nations, so these nations should support and accept the leadership of the United States. There is veiled threat, warning and advice to the enemy camp.

He is prepared to “oppose any foe” and “dare not tempt them with weakness”, so they should negotiate and cooperate. This speech is well organized and highly rhetorical. It is mostly persuasion with very little explanation. As the address is generally short it has to rely chiefly on a successful appeal to emotions for it does not have time enough to cite facts and reasons which could convince.

3.Organization Para1-5: a general statement of basic policy

goals. para6-10: addressing to different groups of

allied nations or would-be allies. para11-20: addressing to his enemy with

threat and warning. para21-27: appealing to his countrymen for

support and sacrifice The order is clear and the tone appropriate to

the different groups he is addressing

Para 1 -5 General statement of basic policy goals

Questions:

1) What does Kennedy mean by’ a victory of a party, but a celebration of freedom’?

2) What are ‘an end and a beginning’ and ‘renewal and change’ referred to respectively?

3) Why did he say that the world is very different now? What are the differences does he have in mind? Do you agree with him?

4) What belief is still at issue around the globe? Why did he say that?

5) What does he mean by saying “heirs of that first Revolution”?

6) Comment on the language. Find out all the rhetorical devices: parallel structure, repetition, antithesis, biblical style.

7) Comment on the effect of the first part of the speech. DO you think it is good? In what way?

Para1. the opening paragraph. Kennedy emphasizes the

importance / significance of his election as president of the US

1.The opening sentence is a well-thought out balanced sentence. Notice the repetition of the phrase, “as well as”.

Parallelism: The use of identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses.

end -- the end of Eisenhower's presidential term

beginning -- the beginning of Kennedy’s presidential term

renewal ---- the continuation of presidency and office of president

2. observe: to keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example)

observe an anniversary. observe the speed limit

observe stresses respectful adherence, as to law or tradition, often in the form of compliance with prescribed rites:

3. celebrate We are planning a surprise party

to celebrate her birthday. 4. signify: to denote; mean; make

known, as with a sign or word He signified his content with a nod.

5.renewal: The act of renewing or the state of having been renewed更新 , 复兴 , 恢复 , 续借 , 重申 , 补充

6.almighty: having absolute power; all-powerful

It's almighty cold outside.

7.solemn --- refer almost exclusive to an extremely

formal and inspiring religious ritual. ( grave ) very serious.a solemn oath 庄严的誓言 a solemn dedication to the cause of

freedom 为自由事业而始终不渝的献身

8.prescribe: set down or impose c.f. ascribe （常与 to 连用）归于，归因于He ascribed his failure to bad luck. describe inscribe( 刻，写，雕 ) subscribe ( 捐款 , 订阅 , 签署 ) A century and three-quarters ago: The

first presidential oath taken by George Washington on April 30 ,1789

prescribe --- set down / impose （ 1 ） .What punishment does the law

prescribe for this crime? （ 2 ） .Government schools must work for a

prescribed number of days each year. （ 3 ） .Good citizens do what the laws

prescribe. (4).Someone who behaves as foolishly as you

have no right to prescribe how others should behave.

para21.Main idea: the general situation of this world topic sentence : The world is very different. 2. Question In what way is the world different? The world is different in the way of science

and technology. People have modern and advanced science and technology.

3. Language points:1.For man hold … human life: Man has

made great progress in science and technology so he has the power to abolish poverty, but be also has the power to destroy human life. Hence the world is different now.

2.the power -- the power of science and technology with the help of science and technology ( 1) People can become very rich. (2) People can be exterminated. Science can be used to get rid of

poverty. Science can be used to destroy all

human beings.

3.revolutionary belief --- human rights All men were created equal and God had

given them certain unalienable rights which no state or ruler could take away

from them.

4. And yet the same.. Around the globe: Our ancestors fought a revolutionary war to maintain that all men were created equal and God had given them certain unalienable rights which no state or ruler could take away from them . But today this issue has not yet been decided in many countries around the world.

5.at issue --- undecided , in dispute The point at issue is whether you are

willing to go abroad or not . That is not the point at issue. without issue – to die without children He died without issue.

Para.3 Main idea: general policy of the US People in the US must keep and

defend human rights not only in the US but also in the world as well.

Language points:1. We dare not .. first revolution: We dare not forget that we are

the descendants of those who fought the first revolutionary war– the war of independence.

2.heritage --- all the qualities, traditions or features

of life that have been continued over many years and passed on from one

generation to another, used especially to refer to things that are of historical

importance or that have had a strong influence on society.

heritage Peking opera is part of our cultural heritage. This building is part of British national heritage. inheritance --- 1 ） . money or property which you receive from

someone who is dead 2 ） . a situation or state of affairs which has

been influenced by a particular event, person, book etc.(heritage)

2.commit --- commit oneself to (doing) sth be committed to sth/ doing sth ---

promise/ pledge to do /support sth Allan has been committed to

staying there for a long time.

3.commit -- He has been committed to equal rights

for women. Deeply committed to his religion, he has

often spoken out against greed and misuse of power. Nobody committed themselves to a

definite answer.

Para.4• Strong determinationKennedy puts the US to the leader, so he

says in order to keep human rights, survival and the success of liberty ( 1) the survival and the success of

"free democratic countries". (2) the newly independent third world

countries

Para 5. Transition: A one sentence paragraph that functions

as a transition from the general to the specific. In the following paragraphs he will be addressing different specific groups of nations. This much we promise to do and we promise to do more.

para6-10: addressing to different groups of allied nations or would-be

allies.

Questions:• 1) What are his policies for the old

allies?• 2) What do the ‘iron tyranny’ and

‘tiger’ refer to?• 3) Who do ‘huts and villages’ refer to? • 4) What is the policy for ‘sister

republicans’? who are they?

Para. 6 Main idea: the specific policy toward his

friends and would-be friends

Language points:1.allies --- ally. Britain, Canada, New Zealand,

Australia,/ West European countries a country that has a treaty or an

agreement to help and support another country, esp. during a war.

allied --- adj. the Allied and Associated Powers 协约国 WWI the Allied Military Government 联

合国民政府 WWII

2.cultural and spiritual origins --- 1). speak the same language

/belong to the some language family

2). have the same religious belief

3.antithesis -- (1).United we can do everything. Divided we can do nothing. --- the importance of unity (2).Ask not what your country can do for

you—ask what you can do for your country.(antithesis 平行对照 )

4.a powerful challenge -- a strong, powerful threat posed by

the socialist camp If we are quarreling and split

apart, we can not compete with the strong,

powerful enemy in front of us.

Para. 7Main idea: to some newly independent

countries He promises to aid (support) the

newly independent countries so that they can remain free and independent.

Language points:2.ranks of the free -- the community of free and independent

nations a far more iron tyranny --- a communist

dictatorship "riding the back of a tiger" -- Compare "seeking the aid of socialist

countries" to "riding he back of a tiger"

Para. 71.Those countries which foolishly seek the

aid of socialist countries will end up by losing their independence as many other countries did in the past. It is dangerous to ride the back of the tiger. If you do, you will be swallowed up by the tiger.

You will lose your power and independence .

Para 8 Main idea: to the developing countries half the globe -- the continents of

Africa and Asia constitute almost one half of the land surface of the globe.

Language points:bonds -- chains, fetters (pl) 1. chains, ropes that are used to

tie down a prisoner 2. (fig) a feeling, duty or custom

that forces you to behave in a particular way

help them help -- We pledge to help them on

condition that they do their best and do what we ask them to do.

Para. 9 Main idea: to Latin American countries.

Usually the U.S regards the Latin American countries as the backyard of the US, for it has special interest in these countries.

Language points:1.sister -- careful choice of word, implying

equal relationship, one family mutual good relations peaceful revolution = a new

alliance for progress

2.prey -- metaphor comparing "peaceful revolution" to an

animal which might fall victim to enemy nations.

We will not allow any enemy country to subvert this peaceful revolution which brings hope of progress to all our countries.

Para. 9Main idea:1. He offered special pledge that all Latin

American countries to work together to make progress.

2. He warned the enemies not to interfere in the internal affairs of these countries, because we are master of this hemisphere.

Para. 10Maid idea; to the United Nations. The UN is our last and best hope of

survival in a world where the instruments of war have far surpassed and exceeded the instruments of peace.

Language points instruments of war-- weapons,

bombs, for waging wars instruments of peace -- machines,

tools for producing goods

1) to prevent the UN from becoming an assembly where people just criticize,

insult and abuse each other 2) to strengthen the power of UN to protect

the newly independent and weak nations 3) to enlarge the area in which its authority

and mandate would continue to be in effect or in force

Addressing to his enemy with threat and warning

• 1.What is the policy to pursue towards those nations whom he considers to be “our adversary”?

• 2.What are the two groups worried about?

Para.11 He is speaking to the enemies, especially

the Soviet Union. make themselves our adversary -- clever

choice of words This phrase throws the blame

confrontation on the other party. The US has done nothing to create enemies. It's the other side that is challenging the US.

• not pledge -- not promise • but a request -- but asking the other

side to consider his proposal • 1) point out danger • danger-- self destruction ( the Third

World War) Advanced weapons will destroy the

whole mankind whether intentionally or accidentally

Para.11 anew -- again, in a new or different way quest -- a search or attempt to find The quest for gold was long and difficult. engulf -- (of the earth, the sea) to destroy

by swallowing up The stormy sea engulfed the small boat.

Para.12 point out position of strength We must be very strong. If we are weak,

they would attract us. We dare not be weak because it might tempt the enemy to take rash actions.

tempt -- attract The warm sun tempted us to go swimming. a tempting meal

Para.13 point out needs / situation (find no

comfort in present situation) cold war / hostile confrontation ( 1) Both sides are feeling the great

financial burden of the arms race. (2) Both are made conscious of the

gradual spread of the terrible atom bombs.

(3) Both sides are trying to change this uncertain balance of this terrible military power which restrains / prevent each group from launching the Third World War

Para.14-18 1. point out co-operation / different

proposals trying to find out specific field in

which we can agree with each other.

2.sincerity is always subject to proof --

One's sincerity must be proved by facts. People may say or promise all kinds of things but they must be proved by deeds.

3.subject to – depending on 取决于，尚待，在……的条件

下 They have authority to decide, subject to

the minister's approval. The treaty is subject to ratification. 认可，

批准 The plan is subject to confirmation.

4.belabor – set upon with too much talk or advice 责

备 If you belabor a point in a discussion or

explanation, you keep talking about it or emphasizing it in a boring way. There is no need to belabor the point.

5.formulate -- work out If you formulate sth such as a plan or

proposal, you invent it, thinking about the details carefully. ( 1) We had formulated our own strategy. (2) Both sides have the need to formulate

a policy that will promote rather than hinder peace.

6.inspection of arms -- examining/ watching over

carefully the limitation of arms absolute --- without limit absolute -- complete

7.tap the ocean depths --- draw upon or make use of the

wealth that lies deep in the oceans mine the ocean beds for valuable

metals etc.

8.heed – give attention to She didn't heed my warnings.

9."undo the heavy burdens..." A Biblical quotation is used in

keeping with his biblical style; in keeping his Catholic upbringing.

What are the specific proposals? (1). control arms (2). use /develop science for peace

purpose instead of the war purpose. (3)explore the stars conquer the desert

(5).eradicate disease (6).tap the ocean depths (7). encourage the art and

commerce 3. enjoy human rights

Para.191. point out purpose, object We must work together to make a

new world order. strong are just -- The strong nations

do not bully the weak. weak secure -- The weak nations

feel safe.

Para.20 Summary of the above paras

one hundred days -- historical allusion,

famous period in American history, in President F.D. Roosevelt's

presidential term

one hundred days During the famous “hundred days” ( Mar-

Jun. 1933), Roosevelt‘s administration rushed through congress a flood of anti-

depression measures (more than 70 bills for approval), which were generally

known as Roosevelt’s “New Deal”. “新政”

one hundred days Bills: “Banking Act“ 《银行法 》'' National Industrial Recovery Act" 《国家工业复兴法 》

"Agricultural Adjustment Act" 《农业调整法 》The proposals can not be completed

in a short time, but let's try and begin.

1) What can you learn from the sentence ‘the graves of young Americans…surround the world’?

2) Find words that help boost the ego and pride of the Americans.

3) What is the final reward for the Americans?

Appealing to his country for support and sacrifice

1) What can you learn from the sentence ‘the graves of young Americans…surround the world’?

2) Find words that help boost the ego and pride of the Americans.

3) What is the final reward for the Americans?

Para.21-27

He appeals to his fellow Americans to support him and to do everything they can, even to sacrifice their lives for their country.

1.past --- Many Americans died for their country. They showed their loyalty to their country.

2.present --- Now our generation is called upon to face the challenge of the

cold war, to struggle against poverty and disease.

twilight struggle --- it is not a hot war but a constant,perserving fight against tyranny, poverty, disease and the threat of wars.

“rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation” --- 忍受困苦，向往未来 biblical language to be happy when things look bright

and hopeful to be patient in distress/ in trouble

Para.23 Rhetorical questions are more

forceful.

assure --- make sth. certain to happen try to cause sb to believe or

trust in sth. to protect against death through

money This will assure your comfort.

The only way to assure success is to work hard.

One more try will assure victory. Nothing can assure permanent

happiness.

assure --- ~ sb. that --- The captain of the ship assured

the passengers that there was no danger.

I assure you this medicine cannot harm you

ensure --- 1) make sb. certain to get sth This medicine will ensure you a good

night's sleep. 2) try to cause to believe I tried to ensure that everybody

understood the instruction. I can't ensure that he will be there in

time.

insure – protect against loss of money , life, goods

etc through money (by insurance) My house is insured against fire and theft. The company will insure your house

against fire. He has insured himself for $2000.

insure – assure sth assure sb. that -- ensure sb sth ensure that ---

para. 24 emphasizing the situation and

responsibility He tries to arouse American people's

emotions by saying you must be very proud and glorious, for you are born in

this time and you are given such a great duty.

He deliberately exaggerates the sense of urgency and he wants to make people feel that they are sacrificing for an important and glorious cause.

freedom in its hour of maximum danger We are in the greatest danger of losing

freedom

the energy; the faith the devotion = light, fire, glow

The energy, the faith and the devotion that the Americans bring to this task will inspire not only the United States and her people but also the whole world.

para27 ConclusionWe demand you to show high standards

of strength and sacrifice and we also want you to demand us to show the

same high standards of strength and sacrifice. ask of = inquire of (formal) (of sb) demand us ---- the president and

members of his cabinet you -- people of the US and the world

"with a good conscience... " Our reliable reward is only a good

conscience. "with history the final...." History will finally judge whether

we have done our task well or not.

With God's blessing and help, let us start leading the country we love,

knowing that on earth what we are doing is God's work (which is just)

Organizational Pattern 4 sections. Section.1. para.1-5 with para5 as

a transition. Introduction , the general statement of the basic policy of the US "We shall pay any price,....."

Organizational Pattern

Section.2 para.6-10 He addresses different groups of

allied nations and would-be allied nations; friends and would-be

friends.

His specific policy towards them. 1. the allies 2. the newly independent

countries 3. the developing countries 4. the Latin American countries 5. the UN

Section.3 para.11-20 His specific policy toward the

enemy. 1. point out the danger 2. point out the position of

strength

3. point out the situation and need. Both sides feel uneasy. a) Both sides are overburdened with

the cost of modern weapons. b) Both sides are anxious with the

wide spread arms. c) Both sides try to change the

uncertain balance of military power.

Organizational Pattern

Proposals: 1. control arms 2. use science for peace purpose 3. enjoy human rights Object : --- to make a new world order

Organizational PatternSection 4 para.21-27 : conclusion He calls on the Americans to

support him and to sacrifice their lives for their country. He calls on the people of the whole world to unit and work for the freedom of men.

Language features 1. This speech is very powerful and

wonderful. He lays his emphasis on the successful appeals to the emotion of the listeners. He trys every possible means to arouse the feelings of the audience.What he says represents the interests of the whole people.

2.The speech is well organized .The order is clear and each para has its own topic.

3.The tone is appropriate. He uses different tone to different people.

Clear order and appropriate tone to the different groups he is addressing

Language features

4.It is highly rhetorical such as parrallelism, metaphor, antithesis, balanced structure, repetition of words and phrase for force, and vividness and emotional appeal. Employing suitable rhetorical devices and words to create the desired emotional impact

5. invoking the name of God, the use of biblical style to make the speech formal and rigid.

6. the use of key abstract words: faith, devotion, freedom, liberty,

courage, loyalty, belief These abstractions are impossible to

define precisely. 7. the use of heroic-sounding verbs explore, conquer, dare, --- which are

inspiring and emotional.

8.The style is rigid. It is made beforehand. So it is a sort of written language.

Questions and Discussions

1) What are some of the features of political speech?

2) What do you know about the qualifications for presidential candidates?

3) What do you know about John F. Kennedy? 4) Do you know John F. Kennedy’s famous and ever-lasting Inaugural address? If so, can you cite some examples from his speech?

5) Cite examples to show that Kennedy is very particular and careful in his choice and use of words.

6)  Is the address well organized? Comment on the order in which he addressed all the different groups of nations and people.

7) Is Kennedy’s argument and persuasion based mainly on facts and logic or on an appeal to emotions? Would this type of speech be successful on all occasions?

8)  Is the tone and message suited to the different groups he addresses? Give your reasons.