JFK Diction Assignment
Why are so many of the words abstract? I think general terms are easier to relate to. It also adds a sense of vagueness to the speech, leaving it to be interpreted by those (mainly AP students) who want to (or have to) get more out of it. Abstract words such as “freedom” and “sacrifice” can be applied to many things, as opposed to what a regular, more tangible noun might limit you to.
*digs out speech Andrea and I took notes on* Let’s see what Andrea came up with… Ah. Let me come back to this one later. Alright. This answer might seem similar to number three. “The hand of God” is metaphorical. So is “The torch has been passed,” and “casting off the chains of poverty.” -sighs- So is “to the ranks of the free,” “to break the bonds of,” “dark powers,” and so on.
I would be curious as to how “The Language of Composition” would define cliche. The phrase “The torch has been passed” is somewhat overused, but appropriate for where it appeared in his address. Kennedy did use a metaphor I very much approved of - “by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.” Other more typical phrases such as “casting off the chains”etc. were used throughout his cleverly assembled masterpiece. I see no pattern to their use.
Some archaic words within this piece were: “asunder,” “writ,” “commerce,” ”belaboring” … > >;; I don’t feel like I’m a very good judge of this. I don’t want to embarrass myself too badly. These words’ purpose is to make Kennedy sound even smarter, wiser, and above the average American, but modestly. (Again, feeling dumb…)
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