Close Reading Questions: Kennedys Inaugural Speech

1. Why is the list of those addressed longer than in the previous speeches?
2. In paragraph 11, what euphemism does Kennedy use for nuclear power?
3. What can you infer about the use of summons in paragraph 22?
4. What can you infer about the use of granted in paragraph 24?
5. Identify the aphorism in paragraphs 25 & 26.
6. Identify the metaphor in paragraph 24 and explain what is being compared.
7. Identify the metaphor in paragraph 7 and explain what is being compared.
8. Identify references to tradition and the Founding Fathers.
9. Highlight the examples of the following rhetorical devices:
a. Parallel structure
b. Repetition
c. Allusion
d. References to faith
e. Loaded language
f. Alliteration
g. Imagery
10. Based on paragraph 9, what can you infer about Kennedys attitude toward Mexico? Provide
specific evidence to support your inference.
11. Based upon paragraph 12, how does Kennedy justify the arms race/build-up of nuclear weapons by
the U.S. and Russia?
12. Cite evidence which supports the theme of the promise and hope of this generation to spread
freedom.
13. Cite evidence which conveys an optimistic tone.
14. Identify elements of historical and cultural context.

Close Reading Questions: Kennedys Inaugural Speech

1. Why is the list of those addressed longer than in the previous speeches?
2. In paragraph 11, what euphemism does Kennedy use for nuclear power?
3. What can you infer about the use of summons in paragraph 22?
4. What can you infer about the use of granted in paragraph 24?
5. Identify the aphorism in paragraphs 25 & 26.
6. Identify the metaphor in paragraph 24 and explain what is being compared.
7. Identify the metaphor in paragraph 7 and explain what is being compared.
8. Identify references to tradition and the Founding Fathers.
9. Highlight the examples of the following rhetorical devices:
a. Parallel structure
b. Repetition
c. Allusion
d. References to faith
e. Loaded language
f. Alliteration
g. Imagery
10. Based on paragraph 9, what can you infer about Kennedys attitude toward Mexico? Provide
specific evidence to support your inference.
11. Based upon paragraph 12, how does Kennedy justify the arms race/build-up of nuclear weapons by
the U.S. and Russia?
12. Cite evidence which supports the theme of the promise and hope of this generation to spread
freedom.
13. Cite evidence which conveys an optimistic tone.
14. Identify elements of historical and cultural context.