Mac Lohmolder
Claire Roth/WR 121
January 12 th , 2016
JFK Moon Speech Analysis
Examples of Frequency
1.
There is a repetition in sentence structure. Ex: “In a city… in a State… in a decade… in an age…” (paragraph 3).
2.
JFK employs many metaphors throughout the speech. Ex: “We set sail on this new sea…”
(paragraph 13).
3.
There is a repetition of personification. Ex: “And finally, the space effort itself, while still in its infancy…” (paragraph 24).
4.
References to historical landmarks are repeated. Ex: “Last month electric lights and telephones and automobiles and airplanes became available” (paragraph 6).
5.
Positive, solidified language associated with space exploration is consistent. Ex: “I appreciate… I will assure you… I am delighted…” (paragraph 1, 2).
Examples of Contrast
1.
“… United States was not built by those who waited and rested and wished to look behind them. This country was conquered by those who moved forward…” (paragraph
8). Waiting and being lazy is being contrasted by conquering and moving forward.

2.
“… such a place cannot help but create new ills as it dispels old, new ignorance, new problems, new dangers” (paragraph 7). I feel as though there is a major defining line between old and new.
3.
“For space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own.
Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man…” (paragraph 13). Space science is being personified to contrast opposite uses for either good or evil.
4.
In paragraph 18, JFK contrasts the sophistication and number of U.S. satellites with those of the Soviet Union.
5.
“The budget now stands at 5, 400 million a year—a staggering sum, through somewhat less than we pay for cigarettes and cigars every year” (paragraph 25). JFK, by comparing is the budgets of cigarettes to space exploration, is actually making a point, demonstrating a contrast in the significance of the two.
Examples of Anomalies
1.
“Newton explored the meaning of gravity” (paragraph 6). This seemed not to fit because everything in the paragraph explained milestones that had been recently accomplished, where as this statement was just an exploration.
2.
“Christianity began less than two years ago” (paragraph 5). This statement stood out, because I felt as though it didn’t have anything to do with our nations progress in science—the theme of the speech.
3.
“Its hazards are hostile to us all” (paragraph 16). I don’t feel as though this fit, because the wording sounds weird and doesn’t add to the speech itself.

4.
In paragraph 19, JFK speaks about the power of rockets and engines, and although it deals with space, it doesn’t seem to go with the rest of the speech. It lacks focus on progression, in my opinion.
5.
“I’m the one who is doing all the work” (paragraph 28). This statement seemed odd, even though it was meant for humor. It would’ve been more affective to talk about the astronauts and the work they are doing to help in the movement.
Examples of Intensity
1.
“… and now if America’s new spacecraft succeeds in reaching Venus, we will have literally reached the stars before midnight tonight” (paragraph 6).
2.
“For the eyes of the world now look into space… (paragraph 13).
3.
“… we must be bold” (paragraph 27).
4.
“He said, ‘Because it is there’” (paragraph 31).
5.
“… greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked” (paragraph 32).