To compare and contrast the rhetorical strategies used in JFK's Inaugural Address and a selected passage from "The Art of War," specifically III. Attack by Stratagem, we will use the R.A.C.E. writing strategy: Restate the question, Answer it, Cite evidence, and Explain the evidence.
Restate the Question
How do the rhetorical strategies in JFK's Inaugural Address and "The Art of War" shape the overall meaning and tone, and how do these strategies reflect the authors' purposes and intended audiences?
Answer
JFK's Inaugural Address and the selected passage from "The Art of War" employ distinct rhetorical strategies that shape their meanings and tones significantly. JFK's speech utilizes emotional appeal and parallelism, while "The Art of War" relies on concise, pragmatic directives that emphasize strategy and skill in leadership.
Cite Evidence
In JFK's Inaugural Address, he famously states, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." This line employs a strong emotional appeal and circular structure to incite a sense of duty and civic responsibility among his audience. Conversely, in "The Art of War," Sun Tzu writes, "All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive." This statement reflects the strategic and practical perspective of warfare, reinforcing the importance of cunning and careful planning.
Explain the Evidence
JFK's rhetorical strategy fosters a tone of hope and unity while calling for active citizenship, which aligns with his purpose of inspiring a generation to contribute to the common good during a time of uncertainty, particularly in the context of the Cold War. His speech addresses a broad audience—American citizens and the world—encouraging them to embrace a collective mission.
On the other hand, Sun Tzu's rhetorical approach is starkly practical and grounded in realpolitik, which serves to instruct military leaders on the nuances of strategy rather than to inspire an emotional response. His intended audience consists of military leaders and strategists, and his tone reflects the seriousness and consequences of warfare. The emphasis on deception illustrates the complex nature of conflict, aiming to prepare leaders for the rigors of battle rather than motivate them through emotional or moral appeals.
Conclusion
In summary, the rhetorical strategies in JFK's Inaugural Address serve to inspire and unify a nation, employing emotional appeal and structure that reflects his purpose. In contrast, the passage from "The Art of War" emphasizes strategic thinking and deception, appealing to its audience's need for practical guidance in warfare. Both texts, while vastly different in tone and intention, demonstrate how rhetoric can be tailored to effectively communicate with specific audiences.