President George W. Bush 9/11 Speech Analysis

Rhetorical Triangle Speaker: George W. Bush Purpose: to assure everyone that America still remains a strong and functioning country Topic: Terrorists’ Attacks Audience: America

His goal was to persuade Americans to feel comforted in the light of effort being put forth in resolving the aftermath of the attacks. Logos—Used to assure Americans that he is qualified to take control of the situation “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.” 1) He is in control. 2) Americans are safe. 3) The country is not in danger of collapse. 4) Everything will be normal. 5) The government is not panicking; therefore, citizens should not panic either.

“We responded with the best of America “We responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for stranger and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.” Claim of “strangers and neighbors” that were not hurt and able to help those in need. The logic is proving our country can endure such a disaster is strong logos. The camera shot during the filming of the speech is in the Oval Office with the American flag hanging behind him. This symbolism affects pathos. It tugs at the patriotism in the hearts of Americans. He has a professional dignified look that gives him credibility as well. (ethos)

Shows credibility and power— “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.” He uses strong pathos to create emotions in the audience. His tone is morbid at the beginning. “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.” These images create an overwhelming feeling of despair. He makes them feel sorry so he can lift them at the end of the speech. The last two sentences of his introduction are using pathos when after he says “These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat”, he claims, “ But they have failed. Our country is strong.” Americans feel sad but hopeful.

“These acts (of terror) shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world.” This imagery and metaphor evoke emotion in the listener. Comparison of America to the strong metal steel evokes the idea that America is safe and can’t be hurt. The “brightest beacon of freedom and opportunity” gives the listener pride.

Pathos: He evokes hope. “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 “all that is (still) good and just in our world” At the end of his address, Bush uses many positive images that cancel out the tragic ones from his introduction and thusly ends his address portray great amounts of hope, comforting Americans.

Address the rhetorical triangle – Introduction—1 slide Address quotes that appeal to ethos, pathos, and/or logos—6 slides Address the literary elements—imagery, metaphor, simile, alliteration, etc… (handout) –4 slides Address this question: Did the speech achieve its purpose (how—quote to support) Pictures (4)