The tragedy and epidemic that occurred on September 11, 2001 sent shockwaves

throughout the entire population of the United States of America. Beginning at 8:45am, on a
calm Tuesday morning in New York City, an American Airlines Boeing 767 passenger plane
collided with the North tower of the World Trade Center. Moments later, with citizens already
filled with despair, a second plane crashed into the South tower of the World Trade Center.
(9/11 Attacks)
The feelings of sadness and remorse that our country was experiencing on that day could
not be described. One man, George W. Bush, had to collect his thoughts from the day's events
and provide a speech to the American population. He had to use different methods to calm down
a nation that was lost for words and in despair. He had to inform them of the great things about
our country, and that We the people would not back down. George W. Bush structures his
speech in such a way that he was able to reach and touch the hearts of many americans. He used
the rhetorical modes of ethos, pathos, and logos to connect with every broken heart in the United
States that very day.
The most prominently used figure was arguably Ethos. Ethos shows authority within its
text. It shows practicality, ethical principles, and goodwill (44). Within the closing remarks of
President Bushs introduction, he begins to proclaim his and America's authority over the
situation. After showing sympathy for our nation, he proclaims, But they have failed. Our
country is strong. He uses this statement of ethos to transition into the next paragraph, which is
primarily composed of authoritative material.
Within the second and third paragraphs of Bushs speech, he predominantly gives off a
sense of ethos. He opens the second paragraph with the words of, A great people has been
moved to defend a great nation, Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest

buildings, but they cannot touch the foundations of America. This statement is key in his effort
to prove the authority of America in the world.
George goes on in the third paragraph to explain how after the first attack he put the
United States emergency response plan directly into action. He then explains the process that
wish they would take: providing for the injured, and take all precautions for the citizens of the
United States. While stating that precautions have been made, he also gives more sense of
authority through stating that this attack will in no way, shape, or form slow down the economy
of the U.S. He insists that everything will go with original normalcy.
President Bush uses a good deal of ethos within this speech, but he also implements a
good amount of pathos for the reader. Pathos is the emotional side of the text. This provides
promises of gain and enjoyment, as well as showing a feeling of anger (44). It is often hard to
decipher the difference between ethos and pathos within speeches such as Bushs. It is often
personal opinion within a rhetorical analysis.
Among the fourth paragraph, President Bush states opinions of Pathos. By doing this he
is promising America what his plan is to take down the terrorists that did these terrible crimes.
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. This entire paragraph gives off a vibe that assures the
American people of what is to come for our great nation.
The smallest example is that of Logos. Logos is the reasoning side of thing. It provides
logical statements and examples (44). There are not many examples of logos within the context
of this speech. In fact, I only found two examples within the text. The first is within the second

paragraph, Bush states: Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature. This is a
logical statement on behalf of society as a whole.
The second example is found in the sixth paragraph. The President is able to ask for the
prayers to all of those that are in pain from the entire situation. He also quotes a verse from the
bible, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are
with me. I feel that this is the most influential moment in the entire speech. Bush uses an
extremely popular and calming verse from the Bible to present Logos to the audience.
George W. Bush does an excellent job of using rhetorical skills to provide security and
hope to the citizens of the United States during a time when they did not feel they had much of
anything left. He let them know that we were still the greatest nation in the world, and we would
not back down to a terrorist group such as the one that attacked us on that day. The persuasive
use of ethos, pathos, and logos provided a country in despair, with courage to get right back on
their feet. He spoke to every broken heart in America on that day, and provided our country with
some of the emotional healing that was much needed.

Works Cited
History.com Staff. 9/11 Attacks. http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks. A+E Networks.
2010.

Johnson-Sheehan, Richard and Paine, Charles. Argument Today. Boston: Pearson. 2015. Print.