Intention

Draw attention to the emotional impact of the 9/11 attacks

The article “Only Love and Then Oblivion” by Ian McEwan begins by describing the people’s reactions to the attacks on September 11, 2001. The writer presents the initial reactions and people’s behavior after several days have passed. In this way, the writer suggests that the emotional impact will be long-lasting and will probably change people.

The writer appeals extensively to pathos to describe how people felt immediately after the 9/11 attacks. The article mentions the feelings of “grief” (p. 127, l.2), “astonishment” (p. 127, l.5), “exhaustion and despair” (p. 128, l. 3), and depression (p. 128, l. 3). This highlights the emotional impact caused by the 9/11 attacks, which affected everyone, even those who did not “have an active role to play in these terrible events” (p. 129, l. 1). 

The article also reminds r...