George W Bush 9/11 Speech Analysis

In George W. Bush’s Post 9/11 speech, as president, he reassures the citizens of the United states of their safety and the plans he has in place to handle the attack on the country in New York made by terrorists. Even though tragedy has struck and created so much heartache, George W. Bush used Imagery, cause and effect and exemplification all  in order to show he understands the severity of the situation and what’s going on in the world at this devastating time, ultimately moving American citizens to stay calm and come together as a whole to successfully create unity and peace throughout the country to better handle the disaster.

Bush starts off his speech by describing the event- terrorists hijacked planes and ran them into the Twin Towers causing not only damage to the city, but damage to lives. It killed many. He uses imagery to help citizens understand that he acknowledges the severity of the event and the trauma it will place on everybody involved. For example, Bush says “Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The  pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief,  terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos  and retreat.” This reassures the citizens that he knows what he is doing and talking about. It also helps relate the listener to the author, he too is experiencing and feeling the loss that they are at this time. Knowing that Bush is living through and feeling the same emotions they are really aiding the citizens create a personal connection, helping them to build trust that he will handle the situation with the same mindset they would.

Cause and effect were used multiple times throughout the entire speech in order to insure the citizens that Bush is handling the situation appropriately. Going back to the beginning of the speech, explaining the event was him explaining the cause. As he continues the speech, he reveals the effect, being his plan on handling the situation and providing examples of what he has already started to do in order to contain the chaos currently going on in the country.  “Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is  powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local  rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our  citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without  interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel  tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will  be open for business as well.” He continues to explain his plan on finding the people responsible for causing all of the trauma. Bush explains “The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and  law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between  the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” in order to encourage citizens to stay in a mindset of peace in this troubling time. This also helps Bush to build a bond with the citizens through trust because it shows that he is prepared and giving his best efforts into turning this massacre around as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

In his speech Bush also used exemplification by explaining that this is not the first time tragedy has stuck the nation. Towards the end of the speech he says “This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood  down enemies before, and we will do so this time. 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 is a reminder that this is not the end of the world. The country has faced disaster before and managed to power through, therefore, working together towards a common goal, the country will be able to make it through yet again.