Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address

purpose

unify a divided nation

Who is the intended audience?

The Federalists, people of America

historical context leading up

heated conflict between Republicans and Federalists

What was the exigence?

the election was very close and the country was split into two

How does Jefferson characterize himself?

humble
“… I shrink from the contemplation & humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking”

How was juxtaposition used?

logos, religious intolerance to political intolerance,  shouldn’t be OK with eithe

How did he use concession?

by recognizing the other side he shows himself as intelligent and logical which helps him set up this ideas later

What tone did he give off in the first shift?

grateful, humble but also prideful in his country, “fruitful land”

What tone did he give off in the second shift?

logical, intellectual, formal, cautious, “sacred principle”

What tone did he give off in the third shift?

hopeful, optimistic, “bright constellation”, “regain the road… to peace, liberty, and safety”

How does he use anaphora?

“Let us…” “We have…” “I…” “We are..”
pathos, to evoke emotional responses and emphasize unity

How does he use rhetorical questions?

logos, allows audience to see the flaws and highlight his point
“Can he be trusted with the govt of others? OR have we found angels in the form of kings, to govern him?”

Rebuttal/counterargument

logos, saying should the nation quit just because they don’t get the leader they want?
“But would the honest patriot….”

What significance does this quote have “We are all republicans; we are all federalists.”?

Parallel structure/Antithesis creating paradox;

 they are two different groups, but should still be ONE unified nation 

 “retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choices it is in your power to make”

characterizes self as servant of the people, only working for them and at their will.

Comes across as the opposite of despotic.