The Method

1. exact repetitions- terror x4, great/ness x2, steel x2, light x2, attack x4, rescue x2, citizens x2, business x2, intelligence x2, shattered x2, security x2, power x2, freedom x3, justi/justice x2, foundation(s) x2

2. similar repetitions (strands)-

secretaries, businessmen, business women, workers, offices

moms, dads, friends, neighbors, children

burning, fires

sadness, disbelief, anger

attacks, murder, evil, death, enemies, chaos, despicable

nation, country, America, United States

beacon, light, shining

rescued, injured

institutions, business, economy

congress, military, intelligence

citizens, people

peace, security, prayers, safety, justice, defend, freedom, law

3. binary oppositions-

tonight/today/tomorrow

men/women

moms/dads

peace/evil

great/despicable

shadow/beacon, light

worst/best

strangers/friends

local/world

thanks/condemning

friends/enemies

4. The two most important of each:

repetitions- foundations. This category has both figurative and literal meanings within the contact of GWB's post 9/11 speech. The pride of our country is and always has been focused almost entirely on the building blocks on which it was created and established. The United States has pride; we fought for our freedom and the justice and life privileges that we have today--the very things that make us who we are, what we stand for. The foundations on which  America was built also involve all other aspects of the democracy on which our nation prides itself. Many of these aspects also appear in GWB's speech, and are all very emotionally effective and stirring subjects to touch on in a time of national unrest, at a time when a nation needs its leader the very most.

strands- citizens, people. The people who make up the United States are also the foundation of who we are and what our nation once was, became, and now remains today--a humane, moral, and influential world leader. It is this same attribute of our country that we must also focus on and remember in times of danger, tragedy, and national threats.

binaries- thanks/condemning

The thanks that President Bush expressed to the rescue workers and strangers who put forth the efforts to regain calm and peace within the borders of our country after September 11th showed American citizens and the rest of the world that those efforts are appreciated, that we recognize the fact that our nation has come together as a mass of strength and undying pride and support. At the same time, our leader openly grieves at what has happened while condemning those who are responsible for the acts, as well as those who harbor terrorism. In this way, our appreciation is shown, but our stance against terrorists and its enablers is made abundantly clear.