September 11, 2001 ~ George Bush’s Address to the Nation

Directions: Watch the speech first, and then we will read the speech and colormark for rhetorical devices.

On Sept. 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.   Video of Speech: Sept. 11 Bush’s Address to the Nation (4:22)

George Bush’s Address to the Nation

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.

 

1. In the first paragraph, President Bush uses pathos to appeal to his audience. How is this an effective use of pathos? Consider the emotions of the audience listening to the speech after the events of the day took place.

2. The final two sentences of the first paragraph are both extremely short and declarative. They stand out from the other lengthy, richly detailed sentences in the first paragraph. Explain the effect these short sentences have on advancing Bush’s rhetoric. What conclusions can we draw from this pattern?

 

 

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.

 

3. The portion in purple in paragraph two is an example of an antithesis (the contrast of ideas or words in a parallel structure). What does Bush’s juxtaposition in the color coded portion demonstrate to the audience?

 

 

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.

 

4. Read back over the paragraph and highlight the pronouns in the sentences for paragraph 3. What effect does the choice in pronouns have on the audience to appeal to their emotions?

 

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.

 

5. In the paragraph above, the rhetor utilizes allusion in order to connect with the audience. What text does President Bush Allude towards? Why does the Bush allude to this text?

6. How does the quote/allusion connect with the events that happened earlier in the day with the audience? What is the speaker attempting to say with the use of this quote/allusion?

 

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.