Question

there are many people in the world who really dont understand, or say they dont, what is the great issue between the free world and the communist world. let them come to berlin.

there are some who say that communism is the wave of the future. let them come to berlin.

and there are some who say in europe and elsewhere we can work with the communists. let them come to berlin.

and there are even a few who say that it is true that communism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress. lass sie nach berlin kommen. let them come to berlin.

-\let them come to berlin,\
president john f. kennedy

how does the use of parallelism support kennedys message?

• it repeatedly encourages people from other countries to visit berlin.
• it creates an organized structure that allows kennedy to counter the opinions of others.
• it evokes a sense of trust with the audience by highlighting kennedys credibility.
• it generates deep feelings of compassion from the people of berlin toward those in the free world.

Explanation:

Identify the rhetorical pattern

The excerpt from President John F. Kennedy's speech uses Rhetorical Syntax and Rhetorical Devices by repeating a specific grammatical structure: "There are [some/many/a few] who say... Let them come to Berlin." This parallel structure is used to systematically list opposing viewpoints or misconceptions about Communism and the free world.

Analyze the function of parallelism

Using Speech Analysis, we examine how this parallel structure functions. Each stanza presents a claim made by those who misunderstand, downplay, or defend Communism, immediately followed by the repeated refrain, "Let them come to Berlin." This consistent pattern creates an organized, rhythmic structure that allows Kennedy to directly address and counter the opinions of others.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1 suggests it encourages people to visit Berlin. While the literal words say "Let them come," the rhetorical purpose is not a travel invitation but a political counterargument.
• Option 2 states it creates an organized structure to counter others' opinions. This matches our analysis of the parallel "claim-refutation" pattern.
• Option 3 mentions credibility (ethos) and trust, which is not the primary function of this specific repetitive structure.
• Option 4 mentions compassion, which does not align with the confrontational, argumentative tone of countering pro-communist claims.

Answer:

• It repeatedly encourages people from other countries to visit Berlin.
• It creates an organized structure that allows Kennedy to counter the opinions of others. (Correct answer)
• It evokes a sense of trust with the audience by highlighting Kennedy's credibility.
• It generates deep feelings of compassion from the people of Berlin toward those in the free world.