Rhetorical Analysis Of George Bush 9/11 Speech

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In his speech, “9/11 Address to the Nation,” President George W. Bush, acknowledges the horrific attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Bush’s purpose is to console the American people and to warn the acting terrorists that America will achieve justice. He adopts a hopeful tone in order provide comfort for those affected by the terrorist attacks on American soil, and he then employs a threatening tone to assert America’s strength to terrorists. Emphasizing that although America is being faced with an incredible tragedy, the Nation will prevail and thrive through courage and spirit, Bush begins his essay. Reassuring the audience, he affirms that “these acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve”. …show more content…
To address the Nation’s grief, as well as his own, Bush reminds people that “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” (8). Continuing a heartfelt speech, Bush yet again uses an appeal to emotion in order to establish that even after such a horrific event, America remains resilient. Additionally, his use of words like “us,” “we,” and “our” makes his statements more personal by implying that the president is suffering as much as the rest of the Nation. Also, his display of hope through his use of emotional appeals allow the audience to feel comfort that seemed unattainable in the aftermath of 9/11. With a hopeful tone and use of metonymy, syntax, and emotional appeals, Bush succeeds in consoling the American people. Through his speech, Bush portrays a message of strength and hope that inspires a Nation and frightens those capable of these malicious acts. Thus, the Nation feels united and protected. An overall sense of patriotism and resilience helps Americans begin to move forward from what is considered to be one of America’s most substantial turning