Advanced English
《高级英语》
（第三版）
第二册
主编：张汉熙
外语教学与研究出版社
Lesson 3
Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1961)
by John F. Kennedy
Teaching Points
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I. Warming up
II. Background knowledge
III. Language points
IV. Text Analysis
V. Rhetorical devices
VI. Writing
Inaugural Address
J. F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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Birth: May 29, 1917
Death: November 22, 1963
Term of Office: January 20, 1961 November 22, 1963
Number of Terms Elected: 1 term; Was
assassinated while in office
First Lady: Jacqueline L. Bouvier
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Kennedy, 35th president, Democrat, was
born on May 29, 1917 in Brookline, Mass,
the son of Joseph P. Kennedy, financier,
who later became ambassador to Great
Britain.
He entered Harvard, received a BS from
Harvard 1940. He served in the Navy and
won the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

He wrote "Profiles in Courage", (《勇
敢者传略》)which won a Pulitzer prize.
 1947-1952 served as representative
in the congress
 1952
elected to the senate
 1960 He won the Democratic
nomination for president and
defeated Richard M. Nixon,
Republican
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Kennedy family --- fully engaged in
politics
 Joseph Patrick Kennedy -- father (18881969)
 US ambassador to Britain
 born in Boston
 graduated from Harvard
Joseph Patrick Kennedy
He engaged in
 banking
 shipbuilding
 investment banking
 motion-picture distribution
a millionaire at 30 years old
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
A summary:
1. 35th President of the U.S.(1961-1963)
2. a democrat, an eloquent speaker
3. the youngest man ever elected to the
presidency
4. born in Massachusetts, inherited a
background of politics wealth and
determination
5. a Catholic
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
6. As president, he faced the Civil Rights
problem at home and Cuba crisis of 1962.
7. His assassination at Dallas in November
1963 was a shock from which the U.S. has
found it hard to recover and the murder is still
a riddle.
Quotes from John F. Kennedy
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"Our task now is not to fix the blame for
the past, but to fix the course for the
future."
"If a free society cannot help the many
who are poor, it cannot save the few who
are rich."
"Those who make peaceful revolution
impossible make violent revolution
inevitable."
Quotes from John F. Kennedy
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"Those who make peaceful revolution
impossible make violent revolution
inevitable."
"Domestic policy can only defeat us;
foreign policy can kill us."
"I want every American to stand up for his
rights, even if he has to sit down for them."
Quotes from John F. Kennedy
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"I believe that this nation should commit
itself to achieving a goal, before this
decade is out, of landing a man on the
moon and returning him safely to earth."
"We stand today on the edge of a new
frontier - the frontier of the 1960s - a
frontier of unknown opportunities and
perils - a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and
threats."
"And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not
what your country can do for you - ask
what you can do for your country."
Strange coincidences between President
Lincoln and President Kennedy
Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in
1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in
1946.
Abraham Lincoln was elected President in
1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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Contributions:
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1. His most important act was his successful
demand on Oct.22. 1962 that the Soviet Union
dismantle its missile bases in Cuba.
2. He established a quarantine of arms
shipments to Cuba and continued surveillance
by air.
3. He defied Soviet attempts to force the Allies out
of Berlin.
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4. He made the steel industry rescind a price rise.
Contributions:
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5. He backed
 A. civil rights
 B. a mental health program
 C. arbitration of railroad disputes
 D. expanded medical care for the aged
 E. astronaut flights and satellite orbiting
Inauguration Day
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On January 20 since 1937
On April 30,1789, George Washington
stepped onto a balcony of Federal Hall in New
York City, placed his hand on a Bible and
swore to "preserve, protest and defend the
constitution of the United States".
Inauguration Day
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He then read an earnest speech, calling for
"united and effective government". Thus
began a unique American institution --Inauguration Day --- those dramatic hours
when a new president faces the people for
the first time. He must tell the people what
he's going to do as president.
Inaugural Address

Memorable words have been uttered in
inaugural address. It is a speech, lecture
officially made by a person on taking office.
The social background
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In what period in history did Kennedy become
president?
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in 1960's
Cold war is sth. which marks the situation in
1960's. The world is mainly divided into two
hostile camps.
1) socialist camp -- headed by the Soviet Union
2) capitalist camp -- headed by the US
 The camps opposed each other politically.
Detailed study of the text:

Para1 opening paragraph
importance / significance of his election as
president of the US
1. observe
2. celebrate
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antithesis:
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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
change -- the change from Eisenhower to Kennedy
solemn
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-- refer almost exclusive to an extremely formal
and inspiring religious ritual. ( grave ) very
serious.
a ~ oath 庄严的誓言
a ~ dedication to the cause of freedom 为自由事
业而始终不渝的献身
prescribe --- set down / impose
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What punishment does the law prescribe for this
crime?
Government schools must work for a prescribed
number of days each year.
Good citizens do what the laws prescribe.
Someone who behaves as foolishly as you have
no right to prescribe how others should behave.
Para.2
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the general situation of this world
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topic sentence --- The world is very different.
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.
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.
比较
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benevolence -- an unacted-upon feeling
generosity -- actual behavior
 e.g.. He was a plantation owner who looked
on his slaves with benevolence but could
hardly be accused of treating them with
generosity.

他是一个以仁慈之心看待他的奴隶而谈不上
慷慨厚待他们的庄园主。
at issue --
undecided , in dispute
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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.
torch
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This refers to the privilege and burden of leading the
nation being passed to a new generation. The
original reference is to the Olympic games before
which a torch is carried from runner to runner. *The
flame of the torch eventually lights a fire that signals
the opening of Olympics.
a metaphor
——duty
——revolution
——responsibility --- of keeping human rights
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.
inheritance --
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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)
general policy of the US
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People in the US must keep and defend human
rights not only in the US but also in the world as
well.
Para.4 strong determination
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Kennedy puts the US to the leader, so he says in
order to keep human rights, we shall....
Para 5. transition
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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.
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
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antithesis -
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United we can do everything.
Divided we can do nothing.
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--- the importance of unity
Para. 7
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Whom did he address?
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--- some newly independent countries
He promises to aid (support) the newly
independent countries so that they can
remain free and independent.
ranks of the free -
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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. 7
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2) 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
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Whom did he address?
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the developing countries
half the globe -
the continents of Africa and Asia constitute almost
one half of the land surface of the globe.
Para. 9
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He is speaking to Latin American countries.
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Usually the US regards the Latin American
countries as the backyard of the US, for it has
special interest in these countries.
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.
prey -- metaphor
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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.10
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He is addressing 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.
Para.10
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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
make themselves our adversary -
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clever choice of words
This phrase throws the blame for confrontation
and world tension 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
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but a request -- but asking the other side to
consider his proposal
1) point out danger
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danger-- self destruction ( the Third World War)
Advanced weapons will destroy the whole
mankind
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whether intentionally or accidentally
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.
subject to –
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depending on 取决于，尚待，在……的条件
下
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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.
tap the ocean depths
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--- draw upon or make use of the wealth that lies
deep in the oceans
mine the ocean beds for valuable metals etc.
"undo the heavy burdens..."
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A Biblical quotation is used in keeping with his
biblical style; in keeping his Catholic
upbringing.
What are the specific proposals?
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1. control arms
2. use /develop science for peace purpose
instead of the war purpose.
 explore the stars
 conquer the desert
 eradicate disease
 tap the ocean depths
 encourage the art and commerce
3. enjoy human rights
Para.19
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point out purpose, object
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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 conclusion
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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”
New Deal
A series of economic policies introduced by
President Franklin D. Roosevelt after the Great
Depression left the U.S. economy in a dismal
state. The programs were implemented to
provide relief to millions of Americans that were
stuck in a state of poverty as a result of the
Great Depression. The various programs were
rolled out over five years (1933-1938) and
covered a range of items including labor, bank,
and relief reforms.
New Deal
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The New Deal had many opponents who felt the
programs implemented built up the power held by the
government and promoted capitalism. With the start
of World War II, the programs created by the New
Deal became practically unnecessary as GNP and
unemployment rates improved drastically as men
became soldiers and women took over jobs
previously held by the men.
one hundred days
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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.
Para.21-27
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He appeals to his fellow Americans to support
him and to do everything they can, even to
sacrifice their lives for their country.
past --- Many Americans died for their country.
They showed their loyalty to their country.
present --- Now our generation is called upon to
face the challenge of the Cold War, to struggle
against poverty and disease.
twilight struggle --- not clear, abstract,
tyranny, poverty, disease and cold wars are not
bloody wars.
“rejoicing in hope, patient in
tribulation”
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---忍受困苦，向往未来
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biblical language
to be happy when things look bright and hopeful
to be patient in distress/ in trouble
Para. 24
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emphasizing the situation and responsibility
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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.
Para 27 conclusion
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We 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.
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)
The purpose of a political speech
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to persuade
to explain
to convince people
to accept his point of view,
to accept what he says so as to
support him
Characteristics:
1. The order is clear.
 Each para. has its own topic.
2. The tone is appropriate.
 He uses different tone to different people.
Characteristics:
3. The style is rigid.
 It is made beforehand. So it is a sort of written
language.
4. The language is rhetorical.
 parallelism, metaphor, antithesis, balanced
structure, repetition of words and phrases --for force, vividness and emotional appeal.
General analysis of a political speech
1. He must try every possible means to arouse the
feelings of audience. What he says represents
the interests of the whole people.
2. specific policy
The speech must have high-sounding words and
empty promises
3. The speech must be concise and short
General analysis of a political speech
4. clever-choice of words to convey different
meanings/tones.
5. the use of biblical style to make it formal/ rigid.
6. the use of a lot of rhetorical devices to make
his address as powerful/ impressive as
possible.
Organizational Pattern
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4 sections.
 Sect.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
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Sect.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
Organizational Pattern
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Sect.3 para.11-20
His specific policy toward the enemy.
1. point out the danger
2. point out he 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.
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Organizational Pattern
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Proposals:
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1. control arms
2. use science for peace purpose
3. enjoy human rights
Object
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--- to make a new world order
Organizational Pattern
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Sect 4 para.21-27
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conclusion
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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 unite and work
for the freedom of men.
Language features
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specific comment on the speech
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Kennedy was an eloquent speaker. He is specially
trained. This speech is very powerful and
wonderful. He lays his emphasis on the
successful appeals to the emotion of the listeners.
well organized
highly rhetorical
Language features
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1. highly rhetorical ---parallelism, antithesis,
metaphor, simile, metonymy, hyperbole,
2. invoking the name of God, the use of biblical
style
3. the use of key abstract words:
 faith, devotion, freedom, liberty, courage,
loyalty, belief
 These abstractions are impossible to define
precisely.
Language features
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4. the use of heroic-sounding verbs
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explore, conquer, dare, --- which are inspiring
and emotional.
5. more repetition in the structure of Paras,
which gives the address a certain rhythm.
English Speech
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Many people emphasize the 3S’s in English
speech
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Stand up
Say what you have to say
Sit down
English Speech
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Three ways to make a speech
 memorized speech
 extempore speech (notes)
 impromptu speech
English Speech
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Speech must by informative
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appealing
entertaining
Basic organization:
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introduction
the main body
conclusion
How to deliver a speech?
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Show good manners (clothes, posture etc)
“natural”
Don’t deliberately beat about the bush
 “I don’t know how to speak”.
 “Being asked so abruptly to speak. I feel
very nervous. I don’t have any preparations.”
How to deliver a speech?

That’s a waste of time. If you must express
your feeling of excuse, you only need to say:
“ I am not much of a public speaker.”
“ I feel there is no way I can get out of making
a speech.”
How to deliver a speech?

When you make a mistake, you don’t need to
say “excuse me”. Only “well, let me see …”
“what I mean is …” will do.
 Don’t scratch your head.
 Don’t stick your tongue out.
How to deliver a speech?

All speeches may be started by “Ladies and
Gentlemen:” if on a rather formal occasion ,
you should first say “Mr. Chairman” and then
“ Ladies and Gentlemen:”
Language features
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Using the following methods for force,
vividness and emotional appeal:
--Parallel and balanced structure
--Repetition of important words and phrases
--Antithesis
Paralleled structure
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…born in this century, tempered by war,
disciplined by a hard and bitter peace…
(P.3)
…pay any price, bear any burden, meet any
hardship, support any friend…
(P.4)
Repetition of phrases
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(P.6,7,8,10,11)
To those old allies…
To those new states…
To those peoples…
To those nations…
(P.15-18)
Let both sides…
Antithesis
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United, there is little…Divided, there is
little…(P.6)
If a free society cannot.. Who are rich. (P.8)
Let both sides explore…divided us. (P.15)

Highly rhetorical
--- appropriate use of words
--- Biblical style/language
--- Often-quoted passages
Appropriate use of words
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
To our sister republics south of our border,
we offer a special pledge…(P.9)
To those nations who would make
themselves our adversary, we offer not a
pledge but a request…(P.11)
Biblical language
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…our forbears fought is still at issue around
the globe…the rights of man come not from
the generosity of the state but from the hand
of God.(P.2)
Let the word go forth from this time and
place…(P. 3)
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation (P.22)
Often-quoted passages
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Ask not what your country can do for you; ask
what you can do for your country.
(P.25)
We shall pay any price, bear any
burden…success of liberty.
(P.4)
Rhetorical Devices
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1.
2.
3.
4.
metaphor
antithesis
parallelism
repetition
Questions for discussion
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1. Whom does Kennedy consider as friends
and whom as foes?
2. Is his tone and message suited to the
different groups he addresses? Give you
reasons.
3. 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?
4. Compare this speech with the Inaugural
Address by Barak Obama.