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Suzanna Berne’s article “Where Nothing Says Everything” discusses the sequence of events that Berne encounters as she attempts to pay her respects to the 9/11 tragedy. From the elements within her writing, Berne demonstrates the significant meaning of the World Trade Center’s absence. It is from her personal experience and play on words that she is able to accurately express her thesis. Within her piece, Suzanna Berne comes to the conclusion that the impact of 9/11 on the American people forces them to unite in order to overcome the loss of the World Trade Center along with the people who went down with it. Berne’s piece takes place on a rainy day in Manhattan. She finds herself immersed in a crowd of diverse people as she walks with them towards the disaster. She encounters the remains of the World Trade Center and notes the importance of the tranquility associated with the site. At first glance Berne sees the aftermath as a construction site; but it is with time that she recognizes the true meaning of the crane, wooden scaffolding, bulldozer, and forklift. While observing, Berne notices how the light reflects off the Hudson River onto the disaster site producing a sense of absence. The elderly man next to Berne shares thoughts much similar to the ones that Berne has just made. Berne listens to the thoughts of the others within the crowd in attempt to try and gain a greater understanding of the site. As Berne observes, a victim is removed. She takes her time to walk around the city as she reflects on the lives of those that have died in the disaster. She reflects upon her day and comes to the conclusion that the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy is what reconnects the people of America in order to fill of the absence of what once wa... ... middle of paper ... ...eans the most. From interpretation, one can see the significant effect that 9/11 has on the American citizen. They watch as the doubts that Berne first displays when she arrives in Manhattan disappear into understanding and knowledge. It is the effect of what Berne sees and not what she says that successfully allows her to convey the impact of the tragedy itself; as well as, come to the conclusion that the events of 9/11 caused unity within the people of the United States. Her use of personal experience and choice of language allow her to successfully share her understanding with the audience. Berne’s correct use of the pathos, ethos, and logos in her writing “Where Nothing Says Everything” confirms that the absence of the World Trade Center forces the American people to unite in order to overcome the grief and sadness from the loss of those that will never return.

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