Lesson 3-Inaugural Address

Lesson 3
Book 2
Inaugural Address
John F. Kennedy
Contents
 Part One: Warm-up

 Part Two: Background Information
 Part Three: Text Appreciation
 Part Four: Language Study
 Part Five: Extension
American society in the Post World War
II era.
“both an end as well a beginning, a

renewal as well as change”
If you visit the United States in the
1950s, what would you expect to find?
What if in the 1960s?

In the nineteen fifties,
America was a nation whose
population was growing as
never before. It was a
nation where the popular
culture of television was
both reflecting and
influencing its lifestyle. But
it was also a nation that
believed it was on the edge of
nuclear war.
Americans were happy to put World War Two behind
them. People were hopeful. They thought the world
would be peaceful for a while.
By nineteen fifty, however, political tensions were high

again. The United States and the Soviet Union were
allies in World War Two. But, after the war, they
became enemies in what came to be known as the Cold
War.
The nineteen sixties began with the election of the
first president born in the twentieth century -- John
Kennedy.
For many Americans, the young president represented

a spirit of hope for the nation. When Kennedy was
murdered in nineteen sixty-three, many felt that their
hopes died, too.
1960s The Civil Rights Movement
A time of innocence and hope soon began to look like a

time of anger and violence. More Americans protested
to demand an end to the unfair treatment of black
citizens.
The Vietnam War
Many more protested to demand an end to the war in
Vietnam. And many protested to demand full equality
for women.
By the middle of the nineteen sixties, it had become

almost impossible for President Lyndon Johnson to
leave the White House without facing protesters
against the war in Vietnam.
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Junior was shot
in Memphis, Tennessee, in nineteen sixty-eight.
Several weeks later, Robert Kennedy -- John
Kennedy's brother -- was shot in Los Angeles,
California. He was campaigning to win his party's
omination for president.
Ⅱ. Brainstorming
1) What do you know about John F. Kennedy?
2) Do you know some coincidences between President

Lincoln and President Kennedy?
3) Do you know John F. Kennedy’s famous and ever-

lasting Inaugural address? If so, can you cite some
examples from his speech?
Ⅱ. Brainstorming
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.
Ⅱ. Brainstorming
• The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain

seven letters.
• Both were particularly concerned with civil

rights.
Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both were shot in the head.
Ⅱ. Brainstorming
• Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.

Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.
• Both were assassinated by Southerners.

Both were succeeded by Southerners.
Both successors were named Johnson.
Ⅱ. Brainstorming
• Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was

born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was
born in 1908.
John Wilkes Booth, accused of assassinating
Lincoln, was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, accused of assassinating
Kennedy, was born in 1939.
Ⅲ. Discussion
1) What are some of the features of political

speech?
2) What do you know about the qualifications

for presidential candidates?
Ⅲ. Discussion
features of political speech
1. The order is clear.

— Each paragraph has its own topic.
2. The tone is appropriate.
— He uses different tones to different people.
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.
Ⅲ. Discussion
the purpose of a political speech
• to persuade
• to explain
• to convince people to accept his point of
view, and to accept what he says so as
to support him
Part Two—Background Information
 Ⅰ. About the Author

 Ⅱ. The Presidential Election System in America
 Ⅲ. Inauguration Day and Presidential Oath
 Ⅳ. The Cold War
 Ⅴ. Arms Race
 Ⅵ. Biblical Allusion and Biblical Style
Ⅰ. About the Author
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

(1917-1963)
Nickname: "JFK"
Married: Jacqueline Lee
Bouvier (1929-1994)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Education: Graduated from
Harvard College (1940)
Political Party: Democrat
Career: Author; officer,

U.S. Navy (1941-45);
newspaper correspondent;
member of U.S. House of
Representatives (1947-53);
United States Senator
(1953-61); President of the
United States (1961-63)
He was the 35th president of

the United states and the first
Roman Catholic to become
president of the United States.
At 43 he was also the youngest
man ever elected to the highest
office of his country.
Presidential Campaign
Kennedy’s four television debates with Republican

candidate, Richard M. Nixon (37th), were a highlight of
the 1960 campaign.
He was assassinated on November 22, 1963, when
journeyed to Texas for a speech-making tour. He was
shot in the neck and head by a 24-year-old man. He
died half hour later. Within two hours, vice-president
Johnson took the oath as president.
A state funeral was held for him.

Ⅱ. The Presidential Election
System in America
• By law any natural-born American citizen of and over 35 years of age

can run for the Presidency. But in fact only the candidates nominated
by the two major parties, the Republican and the Democratic, have the
chances to win a Presidential election.
• The choosing of a candidate for the Presidency is extremely important
for both parties. To do this, each party holds its national convention
every four years, in the summer before the general election.
• Several months before the convention, all the aspirants for nomination
begin their personal campaigns within the party. His purpose is to have
his supporters chosen as delegates to the convention. The more
supporters he has, the bigger is the chance for him to be nominated
for the candidacy. This process is called the primary election.
System in America
To win a Presidential election, a candidate has to spend

many millions of dollars which comes from its personal
collection, party’s help and grant from the Government.
He has to travel all over the country, making countless
speeches and shaking hands with countless voters. He has
to face his rival in debates on television. He has to make
the best use of his glib tongue and arouse public
confidence in him.
In 1980, George Bush, to gain his publicity, raced through
the streets. On his clothes were printed “George Bush for
the Presidency”.
System in America
• A candidate must also try to profit from his rival’s

disadvantage, making harsh attacks on his policies and
exposing his personal flaw. This may become very
disgusting sometimes. When Lincoln ran for the
Presidency, his mother, for example, was abused of
immortality.
• A presidential candidate also tries to collect information
about his rivals so as to employ the most profitable
tactics. The case in point was Nixon’s Watergate Break-
in.
• The general election , held on the second Tuesday after
the first Monday in November in each election year.
System in America
• In the case that no candidate wins the majority of

electoral votes, the election is decided by the House of
Representatives. The House of Representatives votes by
state. Thus every state in the House of Representative
gets one vote.
• After that, the President elect will prepare his inaugural
address for the inauguration ceremony taking place
before the U.S. Capitol Building on January 20, following
the November general election.
System in America
1960 presidential election

System in America
1960 presidential election
System in America
The Presidential Election
System in America
The Electoral College （选举团）
Ⅲ. Inauguration Day and
Presidential Oath
• The first one was on April 30, 1789, George Washington.

Since 1937, Inauguration Day has been changed to Jan,
20. On this day every four years the newly elected
president of the United states faces the people for the
first time.
• The solemn presidential oath: traditionally administered

by the Chief Justice, is prescribed in Article II, section
1 of the Constitution of the United States. The oath
runs as follows: “I do solemnly swear that I will
faithfully execute the office of president of the United
States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve,
protect and defend the constitution of the United
States”.
Presidential Oath
On January 20,
1961, John
Fitzgerald Kennedy
is sworn in as 35th
President of the
United States.
Presidential Oath
• The ceremonies at the inauguration began with a Marine
Band rendition of “America the Beautiful”;New England
poet Robert Frost recited his poem “The Gift Outright”;
Boston's Cardinal Cushing delivered a 20 minute
invocation.
• President Kennedy's inaugural address was both eloquent
and memorable. He stood before the capitol, handsome
and youthful at age 43, calling for a fresh spirit in
national life: “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”.
Presidential Oath
Ⅳ. The Cold War
• By the end of World War

II, the United States had
become the strongest
country in the world. As the
sole possessor of atomic
bombs, with over 70 % of
the gold reserve of the
world in its coffers and over
50 % of industrial
production of the world in
its hand, the planners of the
United States were
visualizing a Pax Americana.
Ⅳ. The Cold War
• They wanted a world order dominated by the United States, a
world market which was free and open to American goods and
services and more and more countries modeling on American
institutions and values.
• In pursuing this goal, the United States encountered stiff and
determined resistance from the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union
suffered great losses in the war. Over 27 million people were
killed in the war and over 31 thousand factories were destroyed.
At such cost, it wanted to keep what it had got in the war, a
sphere of influence agreed on by the United States and Britain at
Yalta. The Soviet Union would not allow any country to project its
influence into the area under its control.
• Gradually, the United States and the Soviet Union, the two
wartime allies, fell apart and the Cold War began to unfold in
Europe.
Ⅳ. The Cold War
Ⅴ. Arms Race
• An arms race is a competition between two or more

countries for military supremacy. Each party competes
to produce superior numbers of weapons or superior
military technology in a technological escalation.
• One significant recent example was the race to develop
more and better nuclear weapons during the Cold War.
• The term "arms race" is used generically to describe
any competition where there is no absolute goal, only
the relative goal of staying ahead of the other
competitors. Evolutionary arms races are common
occurrences .
Ⅴ. Arms Race
Ⅵ. Biblical Allusion and
Biblical Style
• Allusions in writing are references to well-known

persons, things, or events that writers assume are
familiar to their readers. This assumption is based on
the knowledge or belief that their readers share with
them a common historical, cultural and literary heritage,
which enables the readers to identify the allusions and
to understand their significance.
• The Bible is a rich source of allusions, both from the

Old Testament and the New Testament. Many are well-
known. Those that are not can be easily looked up in the
Bible. Below are some of the most common ones.
Biblical Style
Biblical Style
The Old testament
• Adam and Eve

• The Garden of Eden — Paradise
• The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
• Cain (murderer of his brother Abel)
• Noah and His Ark
Biblical Style
The New Testament
• The Nativity, or Birth of Christ

• Judas: The Disciple Who Betrayed Christ to His
Enemies for 30 Pieces of Silver
• Allusions from Christ’s
• The Lost Sheep: One Who Has Strayed from Faith
Biblical Style
Biblical style
In terms of paragraphs and forms

• more short paragraphs
• more italics, but not all of them for emphasis
• with the word “Lord”, “God” capitalized
Biblical Style
Biblical style
In term of grammar
• Instead of elliptical and complicated sentences, the
structures of the sentences are simple and complete.
• The old form of pronouns, such as ‘ye, thou, thee, thy’ etc.
• The verb form in the second version is in the oldest “-est”
form, e.g. shouldest.

• There is no abbreviation; no auxiliary in negative form.
• “shall” is not only used to express future time, but contain
some modal meaning.

• Some inversions are no longer in use in modern English.
Biblical Style
Biblical style
In term of vocabulary
• There are some archaic words which are not used today.
e.g. subtil — subtle
• Most of the words are short and small.
• Some words are not old enough; the use of them have
altered completely. e.g. eat of, gave of
• “did eat” is not for emphasizing, but indicating past
tense, which is common in biblical style.
• Some words are specifically employed in the Bible.
Part Three—Text Appreciation
 Ⅰ. Text Analysis
→Introduction
→Theme
→Text Organization
→Further Understanding
 Ⅱ. Writing Devices
→Language Style
→Rhetorical Devices
 Ⅲ. Sentence Paraphrase
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Introduction
• Memorable words have been uttered in inaugural address.
It is a speech or lecture officially made by a person who
is starting an important job.
• “Inaugural Address” is John F. Kennedy's most famous

and eloquent political speech offering the memorable
injunction: "Ask not what your country can do for you —
ask what you can do for your country" . As President,
John F. Kennedy set out to redeem his campaign pledge to
get America moving again. His economic programs
launched the country on its longest sustained expansion
since World War II.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Theme
The Text is a political

speech.
Appreciate the language

features of Kennedy’s
address.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Text Organization
• Part 1 (Para. 1-5):
General introduction or evaluation of the international
situation and general statement of basic policy goals.
• Part 2 (Para. 6-20) :
He addresses to different countries and declares his
different policies: to old allies, to the new states, and
finally to his enemy.
• Part 3 (Para. 21-27) :
Finally he appeales to both his fellow Americans and
fellow citizens of the world.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body

in the United States and has the power to interpret the
constitution and make landmark decisions.
Its rulings influence social issues, civil rights, and legal

precedents.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
The American government is divided into three

branches: the executive branch (headed by the
President), the legislative branch (Congress, consisting
of the House of Representatives and the Senate), and
the judicial branch (Supreme Court and other federal
courts).
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Dwight D. Eisenhower, also known as Ike, was the 34th
Presidentof the United States. He served as
president from 1953 to 1961.
Prior to his presidency, Eisenhower had a distinguished

military career and is best known for his leadership of
the Allied forces in Europe during World War II,
including the successful D-Day invasion of Normandy.
As president, Eisenhower focused on issues such as

infrastructure development, civil rights, and the space
race. He implemented important policies and
initiatives, including the Interstate Highway System
and the establishment of NASA.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• Para. 1
We observe today not a victory of party, but a

celebration of freedom -- symbolizing an end, as well as a
beginning -- signifying renewal, as well as change. For I
have sworn before you and Almighty God the same
solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century
and three-quarters ago.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Political Parties: The American political system is dominated

by two major parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican
Party. These parties play a significant role in shaping policies
and advocating for their respective agendas.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
The Declaration of Independence is a historic document adopted

by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It declared the
thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule and
marked the birth of the United States of America.
Principles: The Declaration of Independence is based on the idea

that all individuals have certain unalienable rights, including
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• Para. 1
Kennedy states that he has taken an oath before the audience

and Almighty God, referring to the presidential oath of office,
which he has sworn to uphold just as previous leaders did
almost 175 years ago. This highlights the continuity of
American values and principles throughout history.
Overall, the passage reflects Kennedy's message of embracing a

new era while acknowledging the importance of upholding the
fundamental ideals.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• Para. 2
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.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• Para. 2
• The world is very different now.
Cold War and Global Challenges: In his speech,

Kennedy acknowledged the ongoing Cold War and the
global challenges.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• Para. 2
• For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish
all forms of human poverty and all forms of human
life.
Man has made great progress in science and

technology so he has the power (scientific farming,
speedy transportation, mass production, etc.) to
abolish poverty, but he also has the power (missiles,
nuclear weapons, etc.) to destroy human life. Hence
the world is different now.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Para. 2
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.
The belief in inherent human rights is indeed a universal

one, shared by people around the world. It is based on
the principle that these rights are not granted by
governments, but are intrinsic to all individuals. This idea
has been a cornerstone of many revolutionary movements
throughout history, including the American Revolution.
The concept of human rights continues to be an
important topic of discussion and advocacy globally.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Para. 3
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.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
We dare not forget today that we are the

heirs of that first revolution. (Para. 3)
We dare not forget that we are the descendants of

those who fought the first revolutionary war — the
War of Independence. Hence we must always bear in
mind the beliefs and ideals our ancestors fought and
died for.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
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 --
"friend and foe alike”
"friend and foe alike" reflects Kennedy's desire for
inclusivity and unity. He sought to make it clear that
this message was not just for Americans, but for
people all over the world, regardless of their
relationship with the United States.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Passing the Torch:
Kennedy used the metaphor of passing the torch to

symbolize the transition of leadership and
responsibility from the older generation to the
younger generation. It represents a call to action for
the youth of America to step forward and take on
the challenges of the time.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
New Generation:
By highlighting the idea of a new generation of

Americans, Kennedy emphasized the importance of
fresh ideas, energy, and innovation. He recognized the
unique perspective and potential of young Americans
and sought to inspire them to actively contribute to
the nation's progress.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
born in this century, tempered by war,
disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud
of our ancient heritage
Kennedy spoke of being born in the 20th

century, indicating that he and his generation
had experienced the challenges and conflicts
of their time. They had lived through war and
the subsequent peace, which was marked by
tensions and difficulties.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
"Heritage"
Kennedy expressed pride in the ancient heritage of

the United States. By referencing the country's
historical roots, he highlighted the importance of
preserving and upholding the values and principles on
which it was built.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
temper
noun a person's state of mind seen in terms of their

being angry or calm.
"he rushed out in a very bad temper"
verb
1. improve the hardness and elasticity of (steel or other
metal) by reheating and then cooling it.
"the way a smith would temper a sword"
2.act as a neutralizing or counterbalancing force to
(something).
"their idealism is tempered with realism"
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
discipline
1: to punish or penalize for the sake of enforcing

obedience and perfecting moral character
2: to train or develop by instruction and exercise
especially in self-control
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
undoing
1.: an act of loosening

2: ruin, also : a cause of ruin
greed was to prove his undoing
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
undo
transitive verb
1: to open or loose by releasing a fastening
2: to make of no effect or as if not done : make null
3: to ruin the worldly means, reputation, or hopes of
a politician undone by scandal
You can't undo the past.
The damage cannot be undone.
He was undone by greed.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
Overall, this iconic line from Kennedy's

inaugural address captures the spirit of hope,
optimism, and the passing of responsibility to
a new generation. It serves as a rallying cry
for young Americans to embrace their role in
shaping the future and carrying forward the
ideals and values of their nation.
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. (Para. 4)
Paragraph 4, like the preceding one, is addressed to

friend and foe at the same time. It promises to support
any friend and to oppose any foe.
The phrases “pay any price, bear any burden and meet
any hardship” are intended to shore up the waning
confidence of her allies as much as to warn any
prospective foe.
"pledge" is to make a solemn promise or commitment. It
implies a strong dedication and determination to take
action or support a cause.
A pledge often involves a sense of duty and responsibility

to fulfill the promise made.
para. 6
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we
share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.United
there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative
ventures. Divided there is little we can do -- for we dare
not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.
United, there is a vast array of cooperative ventures

that we can accomplish together. When we stand
together, we have the ability to tackle any challenge
that comes our way. However, if we are divided and
fragmented, our ability to face powerful challenges
diminishes greatly.
"Split asunder" means to be torn apart or divided
completely.
It implies a situation where unity and cooperation are

lost, leading to a significant weakening of collective
strength and effectiveness.
Para. 7
To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of

the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial
control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced
by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect
to find them supporting our view. But we shall always
hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom
-- and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly
sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up
inside.
This is a powerful statement emphasizing the importance
of supporting the freedom and self-determination of
newly independent states.
It serves as a reminder to avoid imposing another form
of oppression or tyranny after colonial control ends. It
also highlights the need for those new states to assert
their own autonomy and not rely on external powers for
their success.
History has shown that those who exploit power often
face consequences, as riding the back of the tiger
ultimately leads to their downfall.
Para. 8
To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe

struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge
our best efforts to help them help themselves, for
whatever period is required -- not because we seek their
votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot
help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who
are rich.
How to understand “If a free society cannot help
the many who are poor, it cannot save the few
who are rich.”?
www.themegallery.com
1. In a free society, individuals are typically given the
opportunity to pursue their own goals, engage in
economic activities, and accumulate wealth.
2.However, if this freedom and the resulting wealth
accumulation only benefit a small portion of the
population while leaving many others in poverty, then the
overall stability and sustainability of the society may be
compromised.
3. If a large proportion of the population is mired in
poverty, it can lead to social unrest, crime, and other
negative consequences that ultimately impact everyone,
including the wealthy minority. In this sense, it is argued
that helping the many who are poor is not only a matter
of fairness and social justice, but also serves the long-
term interests of the few who are rich.
Ⅲ. Sentence Paraphrase
Para. 9
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a

special pledge: to convert our good words into good
deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men
and free governments in casting off the chains of
poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot
become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors
know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression
or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every
other power know that this hemisphere intends to
remain the master of its own house.
convert
verb
1: a to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another
They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.
b: to bring about a religious conversion in
The missionaries converted the native people to
Christianity.
2 to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of
especially in manufacturing
hostile
1.: of or relating to an enemy

2: marked by malevolence : having or showing unfriendly
feelings:a hostile act
3: openly opposed or resisting
a hostile critic
hostile to new ideas
4. not hospitable
plants growing in a hostile environment
subversion
the act of subverting : the state of being subverted

especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or
undermine a government or political system by persons
working secretly from within
aggression
1: a forceful action or procedure (such as an unprovoked

attack) especially when intended to dominate or master
2: the practice of making attacks or encroachments
especially : unprovoked violation by one country of the
territorial integrity of another
warned that any act of aggression could start a war
In this context, the word "pledge" refers to a
commitment or promise made by the United States to
its neighboring republics in the Americas. The pledge is
to actively support and assist these countries in their
efforts to overcome poverty and achieve progress. It
also expresses a commitment to opposing any aggression
or subversion in the region and asserting the
independence and sovereignty of countries in the
Western Hemisphere.
Para. 10
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United

Nations, our last best hope in an age where the
instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments
of peace, we renew our pledge of support -- to prevent it
from becoming merely a forum for invective, to
strengthen its shield of the new and the weak, and to
enlarge the area in which its writ may run.
assembly
1. a group of machine parts that fit together to form a
self-contained unit
2. the act of constructing something (as a piece of
machinery)
3. a public facility to meet for open discussion
4. a group of persons gathered together for a common
purpose
5. the social act of assembling;
"they demanded the right of assembly"
sovereign
Noun
a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary
right 君主 ; 最高统治者 ; 独立国 ;
Adjective
1. of political bodies;
"a sovereign state"
2. greatest in status or authority or power;
"a supreme tribunal"
独立自主的 ; 拥有最高统治权的 ; 至高无上的 ; 极好的
one's writ runs
one has authority of a specified extent or kind
某人在…有权力
Whitewall is the one area where his writ runs.
writ large: clear and obvious 显而易见的，明显的

the unspoken question writ large upon Rose's face.
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization
founded in 1945 with the main objective of maintaining
international peace and security, promoting cooperation
among nations, and addressing global issues. It serves as
a forum for member states to discuss and collaborate on
matters of common interest and concern.
The UN is comprised of 193 member states and operates
through various specialized agencies, programs, and
bodies. These include the General Assembly, Security
Council, Economic and Social Council, Secretariat, and
International Court of Justice, among others. Each
member state has a voice and voting power within the
organization, allowing for democratic decision-making
processes.
After World War II, several countries gained
independence from colonial powers or emerged as new
states. Here are some examples:
India: India gained independence from British colonial rule
in 1947 and became a sovereign nation.
Pakistan: Pakistan also gained independence from British
rule in 1947 as a separate state for Muslims.
Israel: The State of Israel was established in 1948,
following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine.
Indonesia: Indonesia declared its independence from
Dutch colonial rule in 1945 and officially became an
independent nation in 1949.
Myanmar (formerly Burma): Myanmar gained independence
from British colonial rule in 1948.
"the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments

of peace"
that advancements inweapons and military technologies
have progressed more rapidly compared to advancements
in tools and strategies for promoting peace and resolving
conflicts.
It highlights the need to prioritize resources and efforts
towards building and strengthening peaceful
mechanisms, such as diplomacy, negotiation, conflict
resolution, and sustainable development.
one's writ runs
one has authority of a specified extent or kind
某人在…有权力
Whitewall is the one area where his writ runs.
writ large: clear and obvious 显而易见的，明显的

the unspoken question writ large upon Rose's face.
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our

adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that
both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the
dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf
all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.
"to those nations who would make themselves our

adversary" implies that there may be perceived or
potential adversaries, but instead of making a pledge
(commitment or promise), the speaker proposes a
request. This suggests a willingness to engage in dialogue
and diplomacy rather than resorting to confrontational
or adversarial approaches.
"both sides begin anew the quest for peace"
indicates a call for a fresh start in pursuing peaceful

resolutions. It suggests that previous attempts at
achieving peace may have been insufficient or
ineffective and encourages a renewed effort to find
common ground and resolve conflicts peacefully.
"dark powers of destruction unleashed by science"

highlights the potential dangers and risks associated
with scientific advancements if they are not properly
managed or used responsibly. It implies that the
consequences of unchecked technological progress could
lead to deliberate or unintended self-destruction of
humanity.
Overall, the statement expresses a strong plea for

cooperation, emphasizing the urgency of working
towards peace to prevent the destructive consequences
that could arise from conflicts in an increasingly
technologically advanced world.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• ETHOS
• President Kennedy opens his speech by establishing
ethos or credibility, “For I have sworn before you and
Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears
prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.’’
• This excerpt tells the American people that he has
followed the rules and has a legitimate responsibility
to the American public as did the Presidents in the
past. He is official.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• PATHOS
• JFK uses words such as “We” to catch the emotions of
people as if bringing everyone together as one.
• The pathos part of his speech, “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.”
• Throughout Kennedy’s speech he uses emotionally
charged words to draw in the American public and get
them to relate to the topics at hand.
Ⅰ. Text Analysis
• LOGOS
• JFK uses logos to convince the people.
• Example : “we pledge our best efforts to help them
help themselves, for whatever period is required --
not because the Communists may be doing it, not
because we seek their votes, but because it is right.
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor,
it cannot save the few who are rich. ”
• Here, JFK calls the public to join the effort to free
the people stuck in communist countries by cleverly
making it an issue of justice rather than power, and
then comparing the success of their poor society, to
the prosperity of our rich nation. This use of
comparison is also a tool of rhetoric.
Ⅱ. Writing Devices
Language Style
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
4. the use of heroic-sounding verbs —explore, conquer,
dare, which are inspiring and emotional
5. much repetition in the structure of paragraph, which
gives the address a certain rhythm
Rhetorical Devices: Metaphor
Definition:
Metaphor is a figure of speech where comparison is
implied. It is also a comparison between two unlike
elements with a similar quality. But unlike a simile, this
comparison is implied, not expressed with the word “as”
or “like”.
e.g.
1. …those who foolishly sought power by riding the back
of the tiger ended up inside. (Para. 7)
2. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become

the prey of hostile powers. (Para. 9)
3. And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the

jungle of suspicion… (Para. 19)
Rhetorical Devices: Synecdoche

When a part is substituted for the whole or the whole
is substituted for a part, synecdoche is applied.
e.g. …both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of

the deadly atom….(Para. 13)
Rhetorical Devices: Antithesis

It involving the bringing out of a contrast in the ideas
by an obvious contrast in the words, clauses, or
sentences, within a parallel grammatical structure.
e.g.
1. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of
cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can
do, for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at
odds and split asunder. (Para. 6)
2. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor,
it cannot save the few who are rich. (Para. 8)
Rhetorical Devices: Alliteration

It refers to the appearance of the same initial consonant
sound in two or more words, such as “proud as a peacock”
and “blind as a bat”.
e.g.
1. …friend and foe alike… (Para. 3)
2. …bear the burden… (Para. 22)
3. …strength and sacrifice… (Para.26)
Rhetorical Devices: Repetition

It is a major rhetorical strategy for producing emphasis, clarity,
amplification, or emotional effect. Within the history of rhetoric
terms have been developed to name both general and very specific
sorts of repetition.
There are all sorts of repetition: the repetition of rhythmic

elements (meter); the repetition of sounds (rhyme, etc.); the
repetition of syntactic elements (often a lineation device in open
form); the repetition of stanzas (terza rima, for example), and so on.
Please read the text to pick out at least ten places where repetition
or parallelism occurs.
Word Choice
1. fatal; mortal; deadly; lethal

• fatal — It stresses inevitability and actual result of
death, destruction and disaster.
– Many fatal diseases have been prevented by
cleanliness and the proper medicine.
– This piece of news was fatal to his political future.
• mortal — It implies that death has occurred or is certain

to occur.
– All men are mortal beings.
– She suffered from a mortal disease.
Word Choice
• deadly — It implies an extremely high degree of

probability rather than a certainty of death.
– Both of the great and powerful groups of nations are
alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom.
– A gun is a deadly weapon.
• lethal — It implies the existence of sth is the condition

of the cause of death.
– Cyanide is a lethal poison.
– a lethal weapon
– lethal gas
Word Choice
2. faithful; loyal; constant; staunch; resolute
• faithful — It implies a firm and unswerving adherence

to a person or a thing to whom or to which one is
united by some ties as marriage, friendship, honor, or
allegiance. 指对婚姻、友谊、荣誉或政治需要体现出忠心和忠
诚。
– He has been a faithful friend to me for many years

– A husband should be faithful to his wife.
Word Choice
• loyal — It refers faithful to one‘s pledged word or to

the country, the leader, the institution or the principle
to which one feels oneself mortally bound. 指受良心、正
义感的影响对祖国、团体、事业表现出的忠心和忠诚。
– We are loyal to our beautiful country.
– He is loyal to his cause.
• constant — It means unchanging faith to love or cause.

对事业，爱情的坚定、坚贞。
– We are constant to the communist ideals.
– She is constant to love.
Word Choice
• staunch — It indicates loyal or firm to political belief
and religious belief. 对宗教、政治信念表现出的毫不动摇的意
志和决心。
– Mary is a staunch Christian.
– He is a staunch supporter of his political party.
• resolute — It emphasizes the determination which

cannot be broken down as a quality of character. 强调
决心无法动摇。
– He was resolute in his decision to give up smoking.
– The soldiers are resolute for victory.
1.
4. Divided, there is little we can do, for we dare not

meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.
(Para. 6)
Together with the foregoing sentence it forms an
antithesis. “Divided” is balanced against “united” and
“little we can do” against “little we cannot do”.
1) powerful challenge: Kennedy is here referring to
what he thinks to be a strong threat posed by the
socialist camp.
2) at odds: in disagreement; quarreling
3) split asunder: split apart; disunited
5. …those who foolishly sought power by riding

the back of the tiger ended up inside. (Para. 7):
A metaphor, comparing “seeking the aid of socialist
countries” to “riding the back of a tiger”. Those
countries which seek the aid of socialist countries will
end up by losing their independence as many other
countries did in the past.
6. To those peoples in the huts and villages of half

the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass
misery… (Para. 8)
Referring to the poor and backward people in Africa
and
Asia struggling to free themselves from poverty and
suffering.
1) half the globe: The continents of Africa and Asia

constitute almost one half of the land surface of the
globe.
2) bond: chain; fetter
7. …we pledge our best efforts to help them help

themselves, for whatever period is required, not because
the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek
their votes, but because it is right. (Para. 8):
Kennedy wants people to believe that the United States
renders unselfish and disinterested aid to the countries that
need it. The United States is helping those countries not
because the Communist countries may be doing it, not because
it wants those countries to vote on its side in the United
Nations, but because this is the right thing to do. This is pure
political rhetoric, for the United States has never rendered
any aid to those countries that pursue an independent foreign
policy which runs counter to the “national interests of the
United States”.
8. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot

become the prey of hostile powers. (Para. 9)
A metaphor, comparing “peaceful revolution of hope” to
an animal which might fall victim to more powerful
animals. We will not allow any enemy country to destroy
this peaceful revolution which brings hope of progress
to all our countries.
9. Finally, for those nations who would make

themselves our adversary, we offer not a
pledge but a request… (Para. 11):
In this sentence the speaker is very careful in his
choice of words. The phrase “those nations who would
make themselves our adversary” throws the blame for
confrontation and world tension on the other party.
Kennedy implies that the United States has done
nothing to create hostility; it’s the other side that is
challenging the US.
10. But neither can two great and powerful groups of

nations take comfort from our present course…mankind’s
final war. (Para. 13)
Neither of the two camps headed respectively by the United States
and the Soviet Union will feel comfortable and happy with the way
things are going now: both sides are feeling the great financial burden
of the arms race and both sides are alarmed by the proliferation of
atomic weapons, both are justified in being armed because of the
quickness of the spread of atomic weapons, yet both groups of nations
are trying to change as quickly as possible this uncertain balance of
terrible military power which restrains each group from launching
mankind’s final war. Now the balance of terrible weapons, though
uncertain, stops the war that can wipe out all humankind. But both sides
are moving quickly to alter the balance, each side trying to get the
upper hand.
11. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us

never fear to negotiate. (Para. 14)
We shouldn’t negotiate and make treaties just
because we are afraid of each other, but we shouldn’t
be afraid to negotiate and make treaties. Note the
repetition of key words such as “never”, “fear” and
“negotiate” in different ways.
12. …let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a

new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the
strong are just and the weak secure and the peace
preserved. (Para. 19)
A concrete proposal to stop the arms race and to build a
just and peaceful world where disputes can be settled
peacefully through discussion or legal means and not by
force.
1) a new endeavor: a new earnest attempt or effort
2) not a new balance of power: implying both sides racing to
arm themselves with more and more sophisticated weapons
so that each would not fall behind the other
13. In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than

mine, will rest the final success or failure of our
course. (Para. 21)
Kennedy called the American people his fellow
citizens. By treating his audience as his equals and by
bringing them in as equal partners in the conduct of
national and international affairs, the speaker intended
to stir their patriotic emotions, so that they would
willingly do what the speaker called on them to do.
14. Now the trumpet summons us again…and war

itself. (Para. 22):
Now our country is calling on us once more (to fight and
die for it). Today our country is not calling on us to join the
army or to go to war, although we need a strong army and
although we are prepared for war. It is a call to face the
challenge of the Cold War which includes a fight against
tyranny, poverty, disease and war. This struggle will last a
long time. We must be hopeful but also be patient when
things go wrong.
15. In the long history of the world, only a few

generations have been granted the role of
defending freedom in its hour of maximum
danger. (Para. 24)
Kennedy used a deliberate exaggeration to increase
the sense of urgency, and to make people feel they were
sacrificing themselves for an important and glorious
cause. People should feel proud that they have been
given this opportunity to defend freedom when there is
the greatest danger of losing it.
16. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we

bring to this endeavor will light our country and
all who serve it, and the glow from that fire can
truly light the world. (Para. 24)
The words “light” and “glow” are used metaphorically,
comparing the energy, the faith, the devotion of the
American people to a fire that will light the United
States and the world. The energy, the faith and the
devotion that the Americans bring to this task will
inspire not only the United States and her people but
also the whole world.
Part Four — Language Study
 Ⅰ. Word Study
 Ⅱ. Phrases and Expressions
Ⅰ. Word Study
List:
1. Almighty 9. shield
2. heritage 10. adversary
3. pledge 11. engulf
4. split asunder 12. overburden
5. tyranny 13. belabor
6. prey 14. eradicate
7. subversion 15. heed
8. sovereign 16. beachhead
Ⅰ. Word Study
1. Almighty God/Almighty Father (Para. 1)

expressions used to talk about God that emphasize His
power.
2. heritage (Para. 3)
the traditional beliefs, values, customs, etc. of a family,
country, or society
e.g.
• the importance of preserving the national heritage
• cultural/architectural/literary heritage
Ⅰ. Word Study
3. pledge (Para. 5)
to make a formal, usually public, promise that
you will do something
e.g. Tom pledged that his company will give aid to schools.
4. split asunder (Para. 6)

to be torn violently apart or destroyed
e.g. a nation split asunder by internal conflicts
Ⅰ. Word Study
5. tyranny (Para. 7)
cruel or unfair control over other people
e.g. John is often the victim of his grandfather’s
tyranny.
6. prey (Para. 9)
an animal, bird, etc. that is hunted and eaten
by another animal
e.g. a tiger stalking its prey
Ⅰ. Word Study
7. subversion (Para. 9)
secret activities that are intended to damage or
destroy the power or influence of a government or
established system
e.g. Mary was jailed for subversion.
8. sovereign (Para. 10)

having the highest power in a country
e.g. sovereign power/control
Ⅰ. Word Study
9. shield (Para. 10)

a large piece of metal or leather that soldiers used in
the past to protect themselves when fighting
something that protects a person or thing from harm or
damage
e.g. The immune system is our body’s shield against
infection.
10. adversary (Para. 10)

someone you are fighting against, especially in a war
e.g. Like all the trained warriors, I knew not to oppose an
adversary head-on.
Ⅰ. Word Study
11. engulf (Para. 11)

if an unpleasant feeling engulfs you, you feel it very
strongly
e.g. The building was engulfed in flames
12. overburden (Para. 13)

give an organization, person, or system more work or
problems than they can deal with
e.g. a manager overburdened with work
Ⅰ. Word Study
13. belabor (Para. 15)

to talk too much about a particular thing
e.g. Mama is belaboring the point all this afternoon.
14. eradicate (Para. 17)

to completely get rid of something, such as a disease or
a social problem
e.g. We can eradicate this disease from the world.
an attempt to eradicate inflation
Ⅰ. Word Study
15. heed (Para. 18)

to pay attention to someone's advice or warning
e.g. If she had only heeded my warnings, none of this
would have happened.
16. beachhead (Para. 19)

an area of shore that has been taken from an enemy
by force, and from which the army can prepare to
attack a country
e.g. Where the allies had won the critical battle for air
supremacy was not over the beachhead.
Ⅱ. Phrases and Expressions
List:
1. at issue 5. subject to
2. a host of 6. tap into
3. at odds 7. beyond doubt
4. cast off
1. at issue (Para. 2):

the problem or subject at issue is the most important
part of what you are discussing or considering
e.g. At issue here is the extent to which exam results
reflect a student’s ability.
2. a host of (Para. 6):

a large number of
e.g. A host of celebrities have pledged their support.
3. at odds (Para. 6) :
in disagreement; quarrelling; antagonistic
e.g. He was at odds with his colleagues.
4. cast off (Para. 9):

to remove or get rid of something or someone you
no longer want or need
e.g. His family cast him off without a penny.
5. beyond doubt (Para. 12):

if something is beyond doubt, it is completely certain
e.g. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt
that the accused is guilty of the crime.
6. subject to (Para. 14):

a) if someone or something is subject to something,
especially something bad, it is possible or likely that
they will be affected by it
e.g. All flights are subject to delay.
b) if something is subject to something such as approval,
it depends on that thing happening before it can
happen
e.g. The funding is subject to approval by the Board of
7. tap/tap into (Para. 17) :

to use or take what is needed from something such
as an energy supply or an amount of money
e.g. People are tapping into the power supply illegally.
Part Five—Extension
 Ⅰ. Quotations by John F. Kennedy

 Ⅱ. Discussion
 Ⅲ. Quiz
 Ⅳ. Presentation
Ⅰ. Quotations by John F. Kennedy
1. A nation reveals itself not only by the men it

produces but also by the men it honors, the men it
remembers.
一个民族不仅通过它所造就的人，也通过它给予荣誉
的
和它所铭记的人展示自己。
2. Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation.
从希望中得到欢乐，在苦难中保持坚韧。
3. Those who foolishly seek power by riding on the back
of the tiger end up inside.
那些愚蠢地骑在老虎背上追求权力的人，最终将被老虎
吞进肚子里。
Ⅰ. Quotations by John F. Kennedy
4. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to

the past or present are certain to miss the future.
生命之中一定会有变化，而那些只懂得留恋过去或现在
的人肯定会错失未来。
5. Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

原谅你的敌人，但永远不要忘记他们的名字。
Ⅱ. Discussion
How to deliver a speech?

Many people emphasize the 3S’s in English speech:
• stand up
• say what you have to say
• sit down
Three ways to make a speech:

• memorized speech
• extempore speech (notes)
• impromptu speech
Ⅱ. Discussion

Speech must be:
• informative
• appealing
• entertaining
Basic organization:
• introduction
• the main body
• conclusion
Ⅱ. Discussion
• 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.”
Ⅱ. Discussion

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.
Ⅲ. Quiz
Ⅳ. Presentation
Prepare a speech running for the

chairman of the Students Union and
present it next time.
End of Lesson 3
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Lesson 3-Inaugural Address

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Lesson 3

 Part One: Warm-up

“both an end as well a beginning, a

What if in the 1960s?

By nineteen fifty, however, political tensions were high

For many Americans, the young president represented

A time of innocence and hope soon began to look like a

By the middle of the nineteen sixties, it had become

1) What do you know about John F. Kennedy?

2) Do you know some coincidences between President

3) Do you know John F. Kennedy’s famous and ever-

Strange coincidences between President

• Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.

• The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain

• Both were particularly concerned with civil

• Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.

• Both were assassinated by Southerners.

• Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was

1) What are some of the features of political

2) What do you know about the qualifications

1. The order is clear.

 Ⅰ. About the Author

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Career: Author; officer,

He was the 35th president of

Kennedy’s four television debates with Republican

A state funeral was held for him.

• By law any natural-born American citizen of and over 35 years of age

To win a Presidential election, a candidate has to spend

• A candidate must also try to profit from his rival’s

• In the case that no candidate wins the majority of

1960 presidential election

• The first one was on April 30, 1789, George Washington.

• The solemn presidential oath: traditionally administered

• By the end of World War

• An arms race is a competition between two or more

• Allusions in writing are references to well-known

• The Bible is a rich source of allusions, both from the

The Old testament

• Adam and Eve

The New Testament

• The Nativity, or Birth of Christ

In terms of paragraphs and forms

form, e.g. shouldest.

some modal meaning.

• “Inaugural Address” is John F. Kennedy's most famous

The Text is a political

Appreciate the language

Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body

Its rulings influence social issues, civil rights, and legal

The American government is divided into three

Prior to his presidency, Eisenhower had a distinguished

As president, Eisenhower focused on issues such as

We observe today not a victory of party, but a

Political Parties: The American political system is dominated

The Declaration of Independence is a historic document adopted

Principles: The Declaration of Independence is based on the idea

Kennedy states that he has taken an oath before the audience

Overall, the passage reflects Kennedy's message of embracing a

The world is very different now. For man holds in his

Cold War and Global Challenges: In his speech,

Man has made great progress in science and

And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our