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Rhetorical Analysis Of George W. Bush's 9/11 Speech

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President George W. Bush addressed the nation after the chocking attack of terrorists in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. The country was traumatized, and many people were in constant fear of their lives and what would happen next. The speech reflected on the darkest day in American history. His speech is very emotional, clearly outlining that there is the good and the evil. The goal of the speech is to unite scared people, and reassure them that American freedom and security can’t be compromised. (Research Questions: What clusters are presented in the speech? How did positive and inspirational message lead to the unity of the nation?). The destruction of the World Trade Center and nearby infrastructure caused serious damage to the economy …show more content…

The terms that cluster around this key term are: nation, strong, America, the brightest beacon, opportunity in the world, citizens, intelligence, peace, we stand together, safety and security, justice and peace. These cluster terms create a sense of a solid and unbound nation that will stand for its country and defend its peace and freedom. George W. Bush poetically invokes pride through the analogy of America being as strong as steel. In addition, he states that America will always be a country of opportunity and freedom, and nothing can shake this notion. The cluster term the brightest beacon has a notion of a very bright light that will shine even if the enemy would try to shut it off. In addition, the term intelligence creates a notion of American nation being smart and able to adjust their response to any situation, even disaster like this. George W. Bush states that while such attacks can dent the steel of a building, they cannot dent the “steel of American resolve.” The President reassures the audience that America will be free and bright even under such horrible circumstances as terrorists’ attack. The cluster terms safety and security, justice and peace create a sense that people are protected by the government forces that they will keep their peace untouchable. George W. Bush stating that the nation’s first priority is to help those who are injured and to protect the nation from further attack. It was also vital for the president to reassure a stunned and grieving nation that essential government functions would continue without interruption and that people could rely on these services. He utilizes these terms to prove to the audience that everything remains under control. George W. Bush essentially demonstrates that the recently attacked America will survive and will defend its freedom. In addition, he also had to repress fears and reinstall a sense of pride and stability in the American people. The key term

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