Pathos on JFK's Missile Crisis Speech

John F Kennedy's speech on the Cuban Missile Crisis invokes the pathos of his audience in a multitude of ways. In the opening paragraph he uses concrete language by calling Cuba an "imprisoned island," and emphasizing that it has "nuclear strike capability." Further on, he describes the two types of installations and the firepower they possess, creating a feeling of dread and urgency as he outlines the range of targets. Describing nuclear weapons as "so destructive and ballistic missiles as so swift", his appeal to pathos relies on presenting the threat clearly and unmistakably, telling the American people that they should be worried and afraid of such circumstances. He uses the analogy of the 1930's teaching the United States a lesson on "aggressive conduct" in order to warn that if a power is left unchecked and appeased, (Germany) war will come. Taking the stance of being opposed to war and in favor of "patience and restraint," JFK urges the United States to remain on the moral high ground, appealing to their sense of humanity and desire for continued peace. He contrasts the United States from the Soviet Union, making the point that American's are the good guys and have a global mission of peace and prosperity. Finally, in his closing message to the Cuban people, he invokes pathos in them by offering his condolences that their country has been corrupted and subject to the interest's of a global superpower. He proclaims that he understands their plight, and appeals to their emotion. He wishes they could have the power to hold free elections, have free speech, to own land and to live in prosperity alongside their American neighbors. By stepping out of his own presidential shoes and analyzing things from the Cuban's perspective, he hopes to be seen as a brother to the people of Cuba, and gain their love and respect.