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Online Assignment 4-30-09

Justin Peters
Per1
The Great Influenza

    
       "Certainty creates strength. Certainty gives one something upon which to learn. Uncertainty creates weakness." In the Passage from The Great Influenza by John M. Barry, Barry uses many rhetorical strategies to characterize scientific research. Barry informs readers about the flu epidemic in 1918 and how scientist go about their work. Barry uses repetition and specific examples to give readers a true inside look into the lives of an everyday scientist.

    Barry uses repetition to convey his points about scientists. For example, Barry writes "Uncertainty makes one tentative if not fearful, and tentative steps, even when in the right direction many not overcome significant obstacles." In this quote Barry explains that scientist can not go into a experiment with a closed mindset. He explains that having a closed mindset creates early failure. Barry also states, "To be a scientist requires not only intelligence and curiosity, but passion, patience, creativity, self-sufficiency and courage." This quote goes to show that a scientist must possess many traits in order to truly achieve optimal results. Barry explains that scientist need to be well rounded in many fields to accomplish their goals.

    Barry uses specific examples as well to bring readers farther into this passage. For example, Barry lists questions such as " Would a pick be best or dynamite be better--or would dynamite be too indiscriminately destructive?" This example shows some of the questions a scientist might ask himself. Barry's use of examples helps readers gain a big picture. In addition, Barry states "Not all scientific researchers can deal comfortably with uncertainty, and those who can may not be creative to understand and design the experiments..." This quote show that not anybody is cut out for the job of a scientist. It takes a certain individual to be a well rounded scientific investigator. 

    John M. Barry uses rhetorical devices such as repetition and specific example in his passage The Great Influenza. Barry uses these devices to convey his point on the importance of certain traits that are necessary to achieve optimal results in an experiment, Finally, Barry draws readers into the lives of scientific investigators to give an inside look at what it take to be a true scientist.