Rhetorical Analysis

On September 11, 2001, the United States had experienced one of the darkest days in its

countrys history. America had encountered a terrorist attack from a radical group known as al-

Qaeda, killing hundreds of innocent lives from all nationalities on U.S. soil. Following these

attacks, President Bush addressed a Joint Session of Congress and the terrified American people

using repetition, syntax, and rhetorical questions to ensure their safety, to inform the world on

what happened that day, and to unite the country during this hard time.

President Bush uses pathos to appeal to the hurting Americans and people from around

the world to try to comfort them during this painful time. He states Great harm has been done to

us. We have suffered great loss, to show sympathy to all the victims and to let the world know

the pain he feels (American Rhetoric 5). The use of short syntax shows the grief he is

experiencing, and wants the world to know they do not stand alone. The repetition of the word

we also implies this has affected all Americans and people around the world. Not just the ones

who suffered a loss. President Bush also uses a rhetorical question to appeal to the emotion of the

hurting country. He asks. Why do they hate us? to the confused and wounded American

citizens (American Rhetoric 3). Hundreds of people died in this horrific attack on September 11,

2001, and people want answers to this crime fueled on hate. President Bush states they hate us on

our believes of a democratic government and freedom for all. He motivates the people of this

country to continue to fight for these beliefs and to unite as one. Emotions were very high that

day and still are every time 9/11 memorial. People around the world gather in grief remembering

the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people (Daily Mail 1).

Logos is used by President Bush in order to help Americans and people around the world

understand the tragic event that took place. We will not forget South Korean children gathering
to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo.

We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin

America. Nor will we forget the citizens of 80 other nations who died with our own: dozens of

Pakistanis more than 130 Israelis more than 250 citizens of India men and women from El

Salvador, Iran, Mexico, and Japan and hundreds of British citizens (American Rhetoric 2).

Bush uses the repetition of We will to show the authority of his position and the appreciation to

the other nations. Also by giving exact numbers, Bush is able to display the large support from

people all over the world during this difficult time. He shows affection to the hurting people

around the world and to show statistics of the large number of people significantly affected by

these terrorist attacks. Bush also says FBI agents who are now at work in this investigation to

give hope that these radical terrorists will be brought to justice (American Rhetoric 5). The

American people have confidence that they will be safe during these hard times because of the

facts Bush presents in his speech.

Ethos is used when President Bush recognizes himself as an American citizen rather than

just the President of the United States. Bush lets the nation know the actions the country will take

by working together. President Bush says in his speech We'll remember the moment the news

came where we were and what we were doing to connect to his audience as an American

citizen (American Rhetoric 6). The repetition of the word we shows pushing using is authority

to bring together a torn and shocked country. Also, the syntax used with the pause adds emphasis

on the tragic day they will never be forgotten. President Bush throughout his speech used ethos

to show his authority as president to ensure the American public and everyone around the world

that the United States will recover and seek justice. He also asks What is expected from us?

(American Rhetoric 4). The United States and its people are lost and confused with no answers.
President Bush states we need to move on and continue to live our lives as normal. However, to

think and remember the victims who lost their lives that day. Also, he wants everyone to realize

how thankful we are to live in this country and the rights we have. In a speech following the

attacks, President Bush says to the nation this is a day when all Americans from every walk of

life unite in our resolve for justice and peace (CNN 1). Bush uses his power in this tragic

moment to bring together everyone around the world that supports the United States.

President Bushs speech is extremely effective with his appeals to unite the nation and

help inform them the actions that will be taken following the attacks on September 11, 2001. He

understands the United States are a hurting nation. He uses his power as president to ensure

everyone around the world we will recover. President Bush also uses emotional appeals to help

connect with the hurting people around the country. He also uses facts to ensure justice will be

served for the innocent people who lost their lives.

 Work Cited

Bush, George. George W. Bush: Address to a Joint Session of Congress on the 9/11 Attacks.

American Rhetoric. 2006.

Bush, George. Text of Bushs Address. CNN. 11 September 2001.

Evans, Becky. America remembers its fallen: Emotions run high as relatives of 9/11 victims

gather at Ground Zero twelve years after tragedy. Daily Mail. 11 September 2013.