Rhetorical Analysis Of George Bush Speech On 9/11

Rhetoric: Bush’s 9/11 Speech

On the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01, I was watching special 9/11 documentary programs on the History Channel. They showed President George Bush’s speech that followed the attacks that day, and it inspired me to choose Bush & his address to nation for my rhetoric text analysis. When I personally think of rhetoric, I think of a speech, a movie, a phrase, an iconic figure, etc. that has a sole purpose to persuade or to appeal to a specific audience. George Bush, being the president and commander in chief at the time of such a horrific string of events, gave a speech that appealed to America as a whole. Being President Bush, the speech was much more significant coming from him than from any other political or known figure at the time, because Americans needed their faith to be restored by the leader of our Nation at the time. His speech was

rhetorically significant because he spoke to the emotions of Americans around the nation, with a sole purpose to persuade them to have faith, and to ensure them that America will get its revenge on those who were linked to the attack.
Bush established himself in his speech as a strong leader, which was crucial at the time because Americans felt vulnerable, and needed a strong leader to take control of this situation.

The use of metaphorical language in Bush’s speech was excellent because he compares the catastrophic situation to America’s strength. For example, Bush states “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America.” Also the following line, “These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” The two lines stand out in particular, because it persuades the American people that this tragedy did not, and will not, damage our strong Nation. Another very powerful line in his speech includes “America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity…no one will keep that line from shining.” The line in particular speaks of how our country is kind, prosperous, and free, and that those who terrorized our country will not ever take those assets away from America and its

people.
Bush further speaks of himself as a strong leader when he speaks about our military and how he seeks justice for Americans. “I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice.” This line in particular shows the fast action Bush has taken to begin the journey of justice for America. I find the final line to be iconic as well: “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.” This line remains true till this very day, as Americans made sure to never forget 9/11 and its impact on the Nation. To me, Bush’s speech appealed to many Americans who shortly after 9/11 ended up enrolling in the military. The way Bush speaks of the military and the seeking of justice for the country could have persuaded many to enroll in the military to achieve that justice for America.