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peace and security in the world, and we stand This is a day when all Americans from every
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together to win the war against terrorism. walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and
Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those peace. America has stood down enemies before,
who grieve, for the children whose worlds have and we will do so this time. None of us will ever
been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and forget this day, yet we go forward to defend
security has been threatened. And I pray they freedom and all that is good and just in our
will be comforted by a Power greater than any of world.
us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Thank you. Good night. And God bless 10
Redefining America
America.
Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are 2001
with me.

Understanding and Interpreting

1. According to President George W. Bush, who and what came under attack the morning of
September 11, 2001 (para. 1)?
2. In paragraph 1, Bush asserts that “our country is strong.” Identify at least three separate
points he makes elsewhere in the speech that support this argument.
3. In paragraph 3, Bush describes actions taken by the American government to regain stability
following the attack. Based on the information in this paragraph, what were some of the
immediate needs and concerns, and how did the government respond?
4. Toward the end of the speech, Bush addresses his intentions to find the people responsible
for the attack. What does he imply about justice when he says, “We will make no distinction
between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them” (para. 4)?

Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure

1. Vocabulary in Context. What does the phrase “brightest beacon” (para. 2) convey about the
United States and why it was targeted for attack?
2. In paragraph 2, Bush contrasts the physical effects of the attacks with the strengths of
America. What is the intended effect of these juxtapositions?
3. In paragraph 1, Bush states that “these acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our
nation into chaos and retreat.” How does the organizational structure and logic of paragraph
3 demonstrate America’s unwillingness to respond as the terrorists intended?
4. How does the tone of the speech shift between paragraphs 2 and 3? What does this shift
signal to the audience?
5. Paragraph 7 consists of the first part of an oft-quoted biblical passage. How does this relate
to his appeal to the audience in the previous paragraph? What does it contribute to his claim
in paragraph 8 that “this is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our
resolve for justice and peace”?
6. Bush incorporates parallel structure throughout the speech. Locate examples and explain
how it contributes to his argument.
7. Which rhetorical appeal does Bush rely on most heavily? How does this strategy reflect his
purpose?

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