The attack on September 11, 2001 was an unprecedented assault on the American

nation, unparalleled in its history. In the immediate aftermath, a spectrum of emotions unfolded,
spanning from shock and fury to increasing and an unyielding resolve. Amidst this turmoil,
journalist Leonard Pitts Jr. encompasses the entirety of these emotions in his response to the
attack. In his article “We will go forward from this moment” Pitts directs his focus towards the
American people by skillfully using evocative diction and intentional repetition in order to
articulate the shared emotion and fortify the determination of the Americans to help progress the
nation.
Pitts effectively employs evocative vocabulary to relate to the collective sentiment of the
American people, in order to progress the nation. Pitts initiates the article by describing the
attack as a “moment of airless shock when hot tears sting disbelieving eyes,” (Pitts 2). The use
of sensory details like "hot tears" and "disbelieving eyes"reignites the readers' senses and
emotions from the attack itself, which in turn allows them to understand what Pitts knew what
the situation felt like. Through those emotion-filled words, Pitts sets up the notion that he truly
resonates with what the Americans saw and this conveys a sense of unity and shared
experience, creating a bond between the American and Pitt’s perspective that is used to move
the American people from the incident. In addition, Pitts goes to address the people who
performed the outrageous attack as “You monster. You beast. You unspeakable bastard,” (Pitts
3). These phrases are emotionally charged and contain strong, negative connotations, which
can elicit intense emotional responses from the American audience. By using such string words,
Pitts is able to move the American audience by relating to their rage of the attack on their home.

Through skillful implementation of repetition using an anaphora, Pitts establishes a

connection with the collective determination of the American people, with the intention of
advancing the progress of the nation. Pitts generalizes the determination of the American
people, underscoring that "as Americans we will weep, as Americans we will mourn, and as
Americans, we will rise in defense of all that we cherish,” (Pitts 15). By reiterating "as
Americans" at the beginning of each phrase, Pitts reinforces the idea of a unified national
resolve in the face of the attacks. This repetition of “we” serves to amplify the emotional impact
of inclusivity, uniting citizens under a common banner and inspiring them to rally together for the
safeguarding of pride. Furthermore, the repetitive structure contains positive connotations of the
Americans that convey a tone of unity, thus promoting a sense of solidarity and channels the
emotions of the people towards constructive action.

To conclude, Pitts responds to the attacks on 9/11 through the rhetoric choices of
evocative diction and deliberate repetition, which express collective emotions and strengthen
the resolve of the American people. His strategic use of these key rhetorical concepts not only
establishes a profound connection, through pathos, with the nation but also underscores his
effectiveness in inspiring unity and determination for the betterment of the country.