Hill_Retorical

Analysis

Rhetorical Analysis of George W. Bushs Speech: 9/11 Address to the Nation

The event of 9/11 was a heartbreaking situation that occurred during the year, 2001. The
event was a terrorist attack. It involved the hijacking of four different airplanes intended to be
used as weaponry as described by the History channel news (History Para. 1). The planes
unwelcome drivers divided themselves up into three different areas; all concealing the same
projected goals to fight against Americas freedom. The terrorists set sights heavily on the World
Trade Center in New York. Two of the hijacked planes were targeting the twin towers, which
held thousands of innocent citizens unprepared for the event approaching (Para. 1). The other
two planes hit several states over; one landed in a field in the state of Pennsylvania and the other
headed straight for the Pentagon of Washington D.C. (Para. 1). It is still a mystery of the total of
lives lost in the episode of 9/11. It is claimed to be about 3,000 killed by the Pentagon and
Pennsylvania attacks and approximately 3,000 killed in the attack on New York (CNN Para. 1).
The event is one that will never be forgotten among the citizens of America. The twin towers
were remarkable slates of architecture that took numerous days to develop, but only a few
minutes to destroy. Times of terrorist attacks are heart wrenching and they deplete individual's
sense of security.
George W. Bush, our 43rd president of the United States, proclaimed a speech on the day
of the terrorist attacks. The speech is titled: 9/11 Address to the Nation. The speech was
announced by Bush, in the Oval Office, in a way that was of profound significance. The word
profound is used not to make Bush seem like an artist of immaculate works, but it is used to
show how Bush accurately displays the purpose of his thoughts. The main idea in Bushs speech
is to deliver to American citizens a heartfelt concern caused by the attacks. Bush acknowledges

Hill_Retorical
Analysis

the tragedy in such a way that his message is not felt completely as a time to grieve, but also as a
time for America to show its strength as a nation. The analysis of 9/11 Address to the Nation in
this paper directs attention to Bushs use of ethos, logos, and pathos to effectively capture the
audience's attention, and his attempt to prove the main idea precisely.
The credible appeal, also known as ethos, is provided throughout Bushs speech in a
variety of segments. First of all, the speech is seen as being credible due to George W. Bush, the
43rd president of the United States, is stating his own thought out opinions to the American
public. Bush shows his credibility throughout the speech in a few specific areas as well. Bush
states that, Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our governments emergency
response plans (Bush, pg. 1). This statement signifies the importance of Bush at the time of the
event by allowing for both a visual and clear understanding of the procedures occurring just after
the terrorists initial strike. Bush continues to show his knowledge and ethos by stating a
comforting quote from the bible to strengthen the confidence of Americas citizens. The quote is,
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with
me (pg. 2). The quote is used to back up Bushs main point in that the American nation is not
alone. American citizens are all facing the tragedy one way or another, whether it be by losing a
sense of security, losing loved ones, or simply losing the will to keep heads held high. Ethos is
continued throughout Bushs speech when he expresses his thanks to Congress and the U.S.
allies. He mentions,
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly
condemning these attacks. I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their
condolences and assistance (Pg. 2).

Hill_Retorical
Analysis

Overall, Bush effectively addresses the use of ethos in his speech by providing key aspects to
demonstrate his credibility, his urge that America is not alone, and to prove to his citizens that
terrorist attacks cannot keep a nation down.
The logical appeal, also known as logos, is shown throughout Bushs speech to prove to
the world that America will not be affected by this catastrophe. The nation will continue to grow,
be prosperous, and be recognized as one of the leading nations throughout history. Bush proves
these points explicitly by providing factual evidence and claims within his speech. Bush states
the claim, Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot
touch the foundation of America (Pg. 1). That quote is a logical statement. It is a fact that
terrorists can in turn scratch the surface of Americas surroundings, but America will not back
down. The people of the nation are strong, determined, and ultimately impenetrable when it
comes to the countrys pride and freedom. Bush speaks on to show an additive supply of facts by
stating, The functions of Government will continue operating without interruption, and the
American economy and federal agencies will be open for business tomorrow (Pg. 1). This
statement is a great incorporation of factual evidence that is used by Bush to, once again, prove
his point that the nation is not giving up so easily. Finally, Bush emphasizes Americas strength
as a country one last time stating, This is a time when Americans unite in our resolve for justice
and peace. America has shut down enemies before, and we will do so this time (Pg. 2). Overall,
Bush effectively uses logic and facts to bring about logos in his speech to show that the
American nation is powerful, supported, and not afraid of a fight.
The emotional appeal, pathos, is accurately conveyed throughout Bushs speech to erupt
an emotional impact among the citizens of the U.S. This period in time is one that will forever
be recognized as both a time to grieve and a time to expand. Bush supplies the appeal of pathos

Hill_Retorical
Analysis

as being the major orientation of his message. Pathos gives both a visual and precise
understanding of the topic being discussed through the emotional senses. Bush starts his speech
off early by stating, The victims were in airplanes or in their offices (Pg. 1). This allows a
visual representation to evolve in the audiences mind, while providing a renowned
understanding of the work as a whole. Bush continues pathos among visual images when he
states, Airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge---huge structures collapsing (Pg. 1).
This statement develops the setting of the event in the mind of the audience. The audience, even
if they were not present, can capture the entire affect the attacks had on the American land. The
audience can envision the twin towers falling, the planes bursting into flames, and the saddening
looks found on peoples faces. Bush also uses pathos to demonstrate the strength of America,
through emotional strain, by stating, America was targeted for attack because were the
brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from
shining (Pg.1). That is a profound statement that should be seen as a whole due to it displays
our countrys determination, goals, and quest for a pursuit of happiness. Overall, Bush effectively
demonstrates pathos in his speech by allowing his words to strike the emotions of the audience.
In reality, no one accurately knows the official number of lives lost on that day, but one
thing we, as a nation, do know is that our country will not back down and fall to the feet of this
crisis. George W. Bush relays all three appeals effectively in his speech. He addresses ethos by
showing his personal credibility as the president of the United States. He also demonstrates ethos
by stating the importance of Congress and the U.S. allies on his side, and of course, he shows the
credibility of being seen on CNN by the United States citizens. Bush satisfies the appeal of logos
in his speech effectively by supplying facts about the event, the consequences, and the drive to
overcome the obstacles the country has faced. Bush proves the use of pathos in his speech all

Hill_Retorical
Analysis

throughout his message. He provides detailed visuals for the audience to take in, which bring out
the emotions found in all the U.S. citizens affected and their families. Thanks to the speech:
9/11 Address to the Nation, we can win back our sense of security and conceal our true
weapon; the knowledge of knowing American citizens are in this for the long haul.

Works Cited
Bush, George W. "9/11 Address to the Nation." Oval Office, Washington D.C. 28 Jan.
2016. Speech.
"9/11 Attacks." History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.
"September 11th Fast Facts - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.