George W. Bush 9/11 Speech Analysis

Purpose

President George W. Bush gave the speech to reassure the audience that the country remains strong. He tells the citizens of the United States that the government and economy will continue to be strong and to have hope. George Bush wants to calm the people down because everyone was terrified and shocked at what happened on 9/11.

Pathos

At the beginning of the speech, Bush inspires compassion and sorrow in the audience, as he describes the victims of the terrorist attacks in a relatable way: "The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors." While describing the attacks, Bush creates a sense of sadness, surprise, and anger, reflecting the emotions most likely felt by those who witnessed the attacks. Finally, another example of Bush creating compassion and a sense of unity in the audience. He describes the victims and asks the audience to pray "for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened."

Logos

Bush appeals to reason when he includes facts and logic. For example, he describes the image of the terrorist attacks: "airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge - huge structures collapsing". He also informs the audience about the actions taken by the government in response to the attacks: "Our emergency teams are working in New York City" and "The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts."

Ethos

George Bush asks the audience to pray for the people affected by the tragedy. Here, Bush uses ethos by appealing to the power of prayer and faith, which a lot of American people believe in. He also talks about the world leaders who offered their support after the attacks. He says, "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." He tells the audience that America does not stand alone in the fight against terrorism. This gives the audience confidence in their leader. Bush also builds ethos when he says, "The functions of our government continue without interruption....the American economy will open for business as well." This helps build the audience's trust.

Convincing Conclusion

George Bush concludes his speech by asking the citizens of the United States to unite for justice and peace. He asks his audience to remember the day and to move forward to "defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world."

Audience

George W. Bush delivered the 9/11 Address to the Nation from the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, D.C. But the speech was televised, meaning that not only the people in the United States but also around the world is watching.

Speaker

The 9/11 speech was given by George W. Bush; he was the current president when the attack happened.

Occasion

The September 11th attacks were a series of four terrorist attacks, carried out by 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists, who hijacked passenger planes and crashed three of them into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.