Barry's Devices
There is always researching going on from scientists trying to understand new diseases, to finding a cure for AIDS. John M. Barry, an author of The Great Influenza, writes about scientists and their research. By using several different rhetorical strategies, Barry is able to give his thoughts on what scientists are and what they do. He explains that there is certainty and uncertainty in researching and even though, sometimes, scientists are uncertain if their research is right, it is still important for them to venture into the unknown to find their certainty. To convey to his point and catch the reader’s attention, Barry uses syntax and figurative language.
The author understands how to captivate the reader in his passage. He says that, “A scientist must accept the fact that all his or her work, even beliefs, may break apart upon the sharp edge of a single laboratory finding.” He begins his passage with direct, blunt yet thought provoking syntax. Barry starts off with a strong passage, particularly in the introduction, where he catches the reader; “Certainty creates strength. Certainty gives one something upon which to lean. Uncertainty makes one tentative if not fearful and tentative steps, even when it is right direction, may not overcome obstacles.” Barry describes the differences between certainty and uncertainty.
He also uses figurative language as another rhetorical device to convey his thoughts. Barry uses metaphors to describe how a scientist success can lead other people to their work; “Ultimately, if the researcher succeeds, a flood of colleagues will pave roads over the path laid, and those roads will be orderly and straight, taking an investigator in minutes to a place the pioneer spent months or years looking for.” Basically, if a scientist creates a path, others will follow after on that path.
John M. Barry uses various rhetorical devices to describe his thoughts of scientists and their research. He includes attention grabbers to hook the reader onto the passage, while he told them scientist’s research roles. |