"Ich Bin Ein Berliner"

            When John Fitzgerald Kennedy stepped up to the podium to deliver his address to the citizens of West Berlin in 1963, it was impossible for him to know the impact "Ich bin ein Berliner" would have on the German populace.  To this day, Kennedy's speech in West Berlin is considered one of his most notable speeches, and it couldn't have come at a better time.  At this point in history, the Berlin Wall divided the nation of Germany, and West Berlin was an exclave of West Germany.  West Berlin and West Germany were separated.  Tensions were high, morale was low, and denizens needed some encouragement.  He employed many rhetorical devices that are vital to a successful discourse.  One can ascertain Kennedy's method by analyzing his speech through Burke's dramatistic pentad, how he used pathos, and how he visualized the future.
            Kenneth Burke's theories on rhetoric and persuasion teach us that rhetoric is similar to a play.  This includes an act (what's being addressed), a scene (where it's being addressed), agent (who is speaking), agency (how agent delivered) and purpose (the occasion).  For act, Kennedy is addressing the morale of West Germany.  But why is he in Berlin?  Why didn't Kennedy choose another location in West Germany?  The scene addresses this.  Berlin is the capital of Germany.  At this point, West Berlin was completely surrounded by East Germany, and was cut off from West Germany.  Clearly, the agent in this case was Kennedy, but his delivery was his most fantastic moment.  He used the phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner" as a device to enhance his delivery--a prop, in a way.  This deals a lot with pathos, which will be discussed shortly.  Finally, the purpose links greatly with the scene and act.  West Berlin was suffering from the fear of isolation from West Germany, and the fear that East Germany would simply take over.  The citizens of West Berlin had families and friends who were severed from contact with them.
            Aristotle had a theory on rhetorical methods, and he narrowed down all rhetoric to three forms: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos.  Ethos is clearly established, since Kennedy is the president.  Some could be said about Logos, but Pathos (emotional appeal) seems to be the central rhetorical method that Kennedy uses.  He makes several attempts at emotional appeal.  A good example can be found in the statement, "I know of no town, no city, that has been besieged for 18 years that still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope, and the determination of the city of West Berlin."  Kennedy says this with such passion, and does so even without looking at his notes.  The crowd erupts in cheers, shouts, and clapping immediately following this statement.  In this case, Kennedy made an empathetic appeal.
            Finally, Kennedy visualizes the future by a series of several statements.  First, "There are some who say that communism is the wave of the future.  Let them come to Berlin."  Though this seems more explicit in his mention of the future, that is not the central focus.  This statement, and all the following, hints to those who were considering communism as valid to look no further than Berlin.  Berlin was the future of communism.  Kennedy forces the audience to view the future in this statement as well:  "... then we [can] look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades."  He paints the picture of what the future will be like when Europe is peaceful.
            In conclusion, Kennedy without a doubt captivated his audience while giving this speech.  His speech, "Ich bin ein Berliner," earned the title of being one of his most respected and motivating speeches.  His speech was effective, considering that the citizens held out for another 26 years, when the Wall finally fell.