Rhetorical Analysis Of The Great Influenza By John Barry

The fervent ideal-searching that entails scientific research is an endeavor that encompasses not only intellectual bounds but also the mental and emotional fixtures present in the mind of a scientific pioneer. Mere thoughts and notions become materialized tools and obstacles, and the journey that takes place within becomes the foundation by which scientific theory is ascertained. Wielding thoughts as stepping stones is crucial to the duty of the scientist, and even a degree of uncertainty must be harnessed for success and improvement. In this excerpt from The Great Influenza, John M. Barry pieces together a passionate study on the character of scientific research through the artful use of rhetorical strategies including syntax, hypothetical

Barry directs his sentences is nearly that of a prophecy. In lines 1-3, Barry begins his didacticism with a parallel sentence structure in which one emotion leads to a notion— his description of certainty as a bastion lends the impression that it is more favorable than uncertainty, for “[c]ertainty creates strength… Uncertainty creates weakness”. By introducing these two emotions as contrasting outcomes, Barry gives the reader an idea that is added upon in the excerpt. He then states that the scientist “requires not only intelligence and curiosity” (Barry 6-7). It is at this moment the reader will realize that there is a deeper facet to scientific research, and the manner in which barry lists the many qualities required of a scientist confirms this notion. Indeed, Barry continues to make use of loose sentence structures throughout in order to support his claims with details and logos. “And just as Einstein refused to accept his own theory” (Barry 16-17) are words that lend to the incredibility by which

Barry expresses the need for a scientist to possess “passion, patience, creativity, self-sufficiency, and courage” (Barry 7-8). He further explicates the word courage as not a pivot by which the pioneer dashes into the unknown but as the beacon by which the investigator must accept, utilize, and even “embrace” (Barry 10). Barry also uses diction to support the ultimatum he presents as the character of scientific research by using the word “ultimately” in lines 19 and 49. The word “ultimately” is a readily usable term that reiterates the finality of any notion, and Barry makes excellent use of it because it allows him to create a profound characterization of scientific research— his ultimatum revolves around the uncertainty which paradoxically captures the meaning of scientific research as concrete theorization founded upon infinite possibility. The pandering of intellectual curiosity to physical emotions is an irony that is not lost on Barry; he reaffirms that “to move forcefully and aggressively” requires “confidence and strength deeper than physical courage” (Barry 20-22). The diction of Barry’s study gives the reader a comprehension that physical notions and intellectual thought have boundaries that are not as defined as they may