September 11, 2001: George Bush's Address To The Nation ✓ Solved

September 11 2001 George Bushs Address To The Nationdirections Wa

On September 11, 2001, the United States suffered the worst terror attack on its soil in history. Four planes were hijacked by terrorists, two of which were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City. First responders rushed to the scene and many of them were killed when the towers unexpectedly collapsed to the ground. Another hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. All in all, nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attack, which launched a war in Afghanistan that continued for more than a decade. Below are President Bush's words to the grieving nation after the attack.

Colormarking Key: Bold examples of Pathos - emotional appeals; using emotion-arousing words to instill feelings such as pity, fear, happiness, or love; use of words that evoke strong feelings. Underline the claim of the speech. Highlight the components of the rhetor’s argument that relate back to the claim. Comment on each metaphor and explain what two ideas that the speaker is connecting together.

Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed.

Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption.

Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.

The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you. Good night. And God bless America.

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The address delivered by President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001, stands as a poignant moment in American history, showcasing the power of oratory in times of national crisis. The rhetorical elements employed by Bush were not just designed to inform but to heal a fractured nation grappling with the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. In this exploration, we will analyze the use of pathos, antithesis, and allusion within his address and their implications for the American audience during that critical time.

Firstly, the pathos utilized in the speech effectively connects to the emotions of Americans who were shocked and heartbroken by the day's events. Bush's references to 'thousands of lives' ending 'by evil, despicable acts of terror' invoke a sense of collective mourning. The imagery used, such as 'airplanes flying into buildings' and 'structures collapsing,' creates a visceral connection to the horror experienced, resonating deeply with the audience's grief and anger (Bush, 2001). This emotional appeal through pathos serves to unify listeners, fostering a shared sense of loss that is vital for collective healing.

Moreover, the impact of Bush's use of short, declarative sentences in his speech cannot be overlooked. For instance, the sentences 'But they have failed. Our country is strong' punctuate the narrative with stark clarity. This deliberate contrast between lengthy, descriptive passages and abrupt statements underscores the conviction of American resilience (Bush, 2001). By utilizing brevity at crucial points, Bush heightens the rhetoric's urgency and effectiveness, emphasizing that while the nation experienced tragedy, it remained steadfast and unyielding in the face of terror.

In examining the use of antithesis, Bush gracefully contrasts the nature of evil with the best of America. He states, 'Today, our nation saw evil – the very worst of human nature – and we responded with the best of America.' This juxtaposition serves to reinforce the idea that despite the darkness of the day's events, the inherent goodness within the American spirit prevails (Bush, 2001). The clear dichotomy presented speaks to a broader narrative of American exceptionalism, suggesting both a moral high ground and an unwavering dedication to justice.

Allusions also play a significant role in this address. When Bush references Psalm 23, he provides a spiritual grounding that resonates with the audience, many of whom sought solace in the midst of chaos. The line, 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me,' employs a deeply familiar text to remind the audience of divine support through challenges (Bush, 2001). This allusion seeks to comfort Americans, implying that faith and unity can overcome fear. The use of such a powerful biblical reference emphasizes hope amid fear, rallying the nation around shared values.

The consequences of the attacks were not only felt in the loss of life but also in the broader context of American identity, which Bush seeks to protect. He refers to America as 'the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world,' positioning the nation as a leader in promoting democracy and human rights (Bush, 2001). This assertion is vital in framing the narrative that American values are being threatened, urging citizens to unite in defense of those principles. This call to action is particularly pertinent in the wake of such an assault, reinforcing the need for collective resolve against terrorism.

In concluding the address, Bush emphasizes unity and resilience: 'None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.' This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the American spirit, urging citizens to look towards the future with determination, rather than dwelling on despair (Bush, 2001). It is a powerful rallying cry that seeks to transform grief into action, thereby reinforcing national solidarity as a means of recovery.

In summary, President Bush's address on September 11, 2001, serves as an exemplary study of rhetorical strategies employed to convey emotion, structure the narrative, and foster unity. Through the skilled application of pathos, antithesis, and allusion, Bush effectively communicated both the sorrow of the moment and the indomitable spirit of the American people. His address reminds us that in the face of adversity, words can unite and inspire a nation to rise and reclaim its identity. The legacy of that day, echoed in his words, continues to resonate in contemporary America, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in times of crisis.

References

• Bush, G. W. (2001). Address to the Nation. Retrieved from www.archives.gov
• Frum, D. (2003). The Right Man: The Surprise Presidency of George W. Bush. Random House.
• Barrett, D. (2011). The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Government Printing Office.
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• Jackson, C. (2003). An Analysis of George W. Bush’s Speech on September 11, 2001. Journal of Communication Studies, 42(3), 75-90.
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