The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. 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--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
What goal might Kennedy have in paragraph 3 when he refers to “the torch” that “has been passed to a new generation of Americans”?
(1 point)
Responses
He wants his audience to remember a time before electricity existed so they will be grateful for it now.
He wants his audience to remember a time before electricity existed so they will be grateful for it now.
He wants the metaphor of carrying a torch to bring attention to the energy crisis of the time.
He wants the metaphor of carrying a torch to bring attention to the energy crisis of the time.
He wants someone to turn on more lights because the sun is setting.
He wants someone to turn on more lights because the sun is setting.
He wants the metaphor of carrying a torch to show how devoted Americans are to the idea of liberty.
1 answer
The correct response is:
He wants the metaphor of carrying a torch to show how devoted Americans are to the idea of liberty.
In this context, Kennedy uses the metaphor of "the torch" to illustrate the passing of responsibility for upholding and protecting the principles of freedom and human rights to the new generation of Americans. This symbolizes both a continuation of the struggle for liberty and a call to action for the younger generation to remain committed to these ideals.
