The Great Influenza free essay sample

In one of the most recent outbreaks of infectious disease since the Black Plague, The flu epidemic of 1918 caused mass hysteria around the world. During the 1918 flu outbreak, it became evident that challenging aspects of scientific research required different characteristics of scientists. In this excerpt from â€Å"The Great Influenza†, John M. Barry describes in detail about many ideas relating to this event, including the side of a scientist and the methodologies of research. The author analyzed the tactics and qualities of scientists of the time to paint a picture of uncertainty and certainty that faced the early 20th century affected by the flu. To convey to his audience what a scientist’s or researcher’s role consists of, Barry uses syntax, exemplification, figurative language, and diction to elaborate. Barry begins the excerpt by conceptualizing certainty in the minds of scientists. The passage begins with â€Å"A scientist must accept the fact that all of his or her work, even beliefs, may break apart upon the sharp edge of a single laboratory finding. We will write a custom essay sample on The Great Influenza or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He continues by stating that certainty creates strength uncertainty creates weakness (1-3). By using syntax and parallel structure the author indicates that mental inquiry and understanding of the subject in question is a necessity for the scientist. This contrast of certainty lays the framework for the succeeding paragraphs. The second and third paragraphs build on this assumption by putting forth the basic qualities and describing the difficulties of a scientist and their work. He continues to explain scientists in a metaphor as ones merely existing on the frontier or precipice of technology, taking experimental steps into the unknown which may lead to their downfall. Barry describes the innovation of the scientist as â€Å"seeing through the looking glass into a world that seems entirely different†. However, he cautions the formulation of new theories by saying that â€Å"science teaches us to doubt†, further exemplified by his example of Einstein, who would not accept his own theories until they were thoroughly tested by others. In order to identify obstacles in the world of experimentation and to describe the necessary actions to overcome them, Barry utilizes exemplification by providing specific scenarios. While describing the creativity needed to overcome difficulties, Barry uses the examination of a rock as an example to support his claim. He discusses what tools would be the most appropriate to use—â€Å"Would a pick be best, or would dynamite be better? † This hypothetical question represents Barry’s claim that creativity is a common problem that scientists encounter in their work. He goes on to use the examination of a rock’s environment as an example of a scientist’s mission to obtain needed information—â€Å"There is a stream passing over the rock. † These examples assist the author in supporting his idea that complications arise in which scientists must use creativity and curiosity to figure them out. His strategy is clear, concise, and has a powerful diction. By using several devices of figurative language, Barry is able to further describe a researcher’s challenges by comparing them to other situations and ideas. While discussing the unknown boundary that scientists must persist, Barry describes a â€Å"wilderness region† that is unfamiliar and new. He continues to say that scientists venture â€Å"through the looking glass† into a new frontier. These devices help to create familiar ideas that will help the audience understand the situation. Another mechanism used was a simile that compared research to a â€Å"crystal† by explaining that â€Å"probing† was to â€Å"precipitate an order out of chaos. † Finally, Barry applies a metaphor in order to discuss what follows a discovery. He describes â€Å"a flood of colleagues† that â€Å"pave roads over the path laid. † This tells how science changes continuously, one discovery after another ultimately revealing the patience and curiosity that a scientist must have. These figurative devices teach a new way of understanding for an audience that is unfamiliar with the author’s theme. Barry continues to use a hypothetical example by using imagery in a situation of finding the right tools to do the job for rock analysis. He states that â€Å"in the wilderness the scientist must create †¦everything. This choice of diction in the form of simple words stresses the role that scientists and researchers play on society. There are multiple questions to simulate the thinking tendencies of a scientist as he changes from one thought to another as they are deemed infeasible. The very uncertain approach of a scientist, always changing, is reflected by these short possible thoughts of a scientist. Finally , the scientist prevails. The post pioneer scientists then flood the scene, taking advantage of the breakthroughs. This metaphorical representation of innovation in thought is continued when the following workers flesh out the scientific theories raised by the original scientist. Throughout the course of the excerpt Barry uses different rhetorical strategies to define the role that scientists and researchers play. For a scientist to become successful, they have to think outside of the box to solve insurmountable problems. By applying this knowledge to the epidemic faced by the people in 1918, it the scientific method alludes to the solutions created by the scientists of the time.