Exercise for CDA on Mood/Modality:

Declaratives:
The entire text, with the exception of one imperative, is declarative to demonstrate certainty, unambiguity,
and power.

Interrogatives:
There are none in this text, possibly because imperatives often seek to build rapport or encourage agreement.
In the context of America immediately in the aftermath of 9/11, this is simply not needed. Bush would have
been more concerned with stoking feelings of nationalism, national strength, and resolve.

Imperatives:
“And the American people must be patient”
The imperative tone shows, yet again, the assertion of power. What is interesting is that even in the use of
this imperative the high modality verb “must” is employed, further amplifying the tone of power and
authority.

Modality:
With the exception of the high modality verb “must” referenced in the last paragraph, and the use of the high
modality verb “is", there are no utilisations of modality in this excerpt. The reason is clear; Bush’s statement
conveys that his commitment to truth is absolute.

Summary:
Bush’s use of declaratives rather than imperatives is interesting. According to the CNN/USA Today/Gallup
Poll, conducted on October 3–6, 2002, only 53% of Americans said they favoured invading Iraq. Since it is
not clear to Americans that another bout of U.S involvement in the middle-east is necessary, Bush needs to
construct a reality for his audience, on moral grounds, and declare it the truth. It is also interesting that the
one imperative employed in the speech asks the American people to be patient, possibly because by not
calling for the support of the U.S public, he invites the audience to presuppose that support for the war would
and should natural follow in anyone who understands the facts of the situation and is a moral being.