Read the passage from John F. Kennedy’s “Speech at American University.”
What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children—not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women—not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
What is the effect of the phrase “Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave” on the meaning of this passage?
Speech at American University
The phrase establishes President Kennedy’s claim that peace needs to be fought for and attained by any means necessary.
The phrase emphasizes President Kennedy’s claim that it is hard to gain peace and freedom, unless it is through death and servitude.
The phrase emphasizes President Kennedy’s claim that the only peace worth fighting for is the one that paves the road toward freedom and happiness.
The phrase establishes President Kennedy’s claim that peace is understood differently across the world, so creating it will take much compromise.
