John Fitzgerald Kennedy is one of the most iconic presidents in American history. Being the youngest president ever elected, his enthusiastic and energetic image is one that will live on forever in the minds of Americans. There was one quality that Kennedy revered the most: courage. He believed that, in a world of politics where pressures are heavier than any other, the courage to both stand strong and to compromise is most admirable. Due to this, he authored a book about certain characters in American political history that have demonstrated outstanding courage. He begins the book with an extremely resonating introduction to the truths and myths of politics, and then divulges into the lives of six of the most courageous senators in his eyes. It is through historical anecdotes and an academic tone, which ultimately add credibility and interest to his writing.
Kennedy describes politicians that are from very different time periods, who were involved in an extremely wide variety of decisions. To aid his discussion of courage, he utilizes interesting historical anecdotes about the senators. For example, Kennedy begins the section on John Quincy Adams with a story about a letter he received from a Federalist to demonstrate the political tensions. The primary source letter was included, along with Adams's own opinion in writing. By doing this, Kennedy is telling the story through history itself, rather than acting simply as an outside observer. The following sections are then dispersed with primary sources and quotes to allow the audience to follow along in an attention-grabbing and illustrative manner.
Throughout the book, Kennedy sticks with this academic style. He will offer an argument, and then utilize the immense amount of political documents that are at his disposal. This strengthens his points greatly, and it is a very refreshing writing style for a man of such political prominence. Many politicians in the current realm often get away with blank rhetoric; using style and drawing to emotions rather than relying on the cold hard facts. For a politician to write about other politicians, this could very well have been the avenue that Profiles in Courage went down. However, by developing and maintaining such an academic tone, Kennedy is successful in not only teaching his audience but persuading them as well.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Profiles in Courage would be very hard to put down. The interesting anecdotal information as well as the overall tone is what makes it so special, and what allows Kennedy to be so effective. As I venture further into the creativity and amazing writing of the former president, I will be on the lookout for more rhetorical devices that aid his purpose of displaying the courage of his subjects.
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