11 September 2001 Literary Elements

Nonfiction, Tragedy, Violent

English and French

New York City and Washington D.C. during and after the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001 on U.S. soil.

A third-person narrator who is distinct from the characters and the ordeals they go through, offering an external viewpoint into their lives and emotions.

Disturbing, Tragic, Violent, Terrifying, Intense

Although there is no singular protagonist and antagonist the antagonist in this play can be viewed as all the individuals who helped commit the atrocious acts of terror. The protagonists are the people who helped the most to fight back and recover from the attacks.

The major conflict is how to respond to the terrorist attacks. These attacks used hijacked planes to destroy millions of dollars worth of infrastructure and kill thousands, injuring many thousands more. Characters in the play, who represent U.S. citizens affected by the attack, must deal with the tragedy that has befallen them.

The climax of the play is when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses. Its structural integrity had been compromised by the plane collision and resulting explosions, eventually resulting in its collapse.

There is foreshadowing of the building collapses, which can be seen in the office dialogue of Jean Paul. He says "And next to me stood Harry Ramos it was eight forty eight when our building leaned." This clue lets the audience know the building is already unstable and worse may be yet to come.

An understatement is when Dorene says "And I guided her so downhill there was that special smell of grilled wool." The situation and circumstance was so shocking and intense it is unlikely Dorene merely 'guided' her downstairs. It is more likely she yanked her and rushed out onto the streets.

Although the entire piece of theatre is composed of allusions, due to the fact that it is based off of a true historical event, one specific allusion can be seen referring to the government administration in place. One scene in the play depicts a government official receiving news of the terrorist attacks while at a school. This is an allusion to when President George W. Bush received the news while reading to a group of elementary-school kids in Sarasota, Florida.

There is heavy use of imagery throughout the play. Plays such as this one tend to rely on vivid imagery and background pictures to demonstrate a certain scene, and Michel Vinaver does exactly that in 11 September 2001. One such example is the use of props and background paintings to create imagery of the fiery chaos of the explosions from the attacks.

The paradox is that the country believes their enemy is foreign and at large. However, at that moment, the most pressing obstacle or 'enemy' in their path was the disunity that was plaguing the United States. By overcoming this greater enemy within, our nation was able to respond to threats from abroad.

A clear parallel can be drawn between the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and the first responders of the New York Police Department. Both of these groups of people gave up their lives in the hope that they could help save other people in danger. These two groups of people represent hope and perseverance.

A use of personification is when a line similar to, the building cried out in pain, is used in the play. This personification is used to demonstrate how the building is creaking and groaning because it has been hit by the plane.

This play, just like many others, uses many dramatic devices such as aside, comic relief, and soliloquy. The one that stood out was the dramatic monologue of Dorene, when she vividly describes her experience dealing with the attacks. This monologue has a profound effect on the direction of the play.