What is influenza exactly? More commonly know as the flu for short, influenza is a virus that attacks the body and takes a couple days to defeat. In The Great Influenza, John M. Barry writes an account about the flu epidemic of 1918 and the scientists who did research on the virus. In his writings, Barry uses rhetorical strategies to characterize the scientific research.
John M. Barry uses repetition to convey his point across to the reader about the scientific research done on influenza. Barry talks about the certainty and uncertainty in the field of science throughout his accounts, "Certainty creates strength. Certainty gives one something upon which to lean" (Barry). By using repetition, Barry is able to instill the ideas he has about the field of science to the reader over and over again. Doing so makes sure the reader gets the true point trying to come across. Not only does he talk about the certainties in life, but the uncertainties aswell, "Uncertainty creates weakness. Uncertainty makes one tentative if not fearful, and tentative steps, even when in the right direction, may not overcome significant obstacles"(Barry). By using the strategy of repetition, the reader gets a real sense of how the author feels about certain subjects. Repetition is only one of the many strategies Barry uses to convey his opinion.
Another strategy that Barry uses to get his point across to the reader is similes. Barry uses a simile to compare a looking glass to a crystal, ".. a single step can take them through the looking glass into a world that seems entirely different, and if they are at least partly correct their probing acts like a crystal to precipitate an order out of chaos, to create form, structure, and direction" (Barry). He compares the slightest new discovery in the field of science to that of a crystal that can give off many different views by looking through it. Similes are good ways to help the reader understand a point of view better than they would by going into something they can relate.
The final strategy used by the author to express his views about scientific discoveries is comparision. He looks forward to the discoveries and availability of new tools to the public, "And the perfect tool will be available fo rpurchase, just as laboratory mice can now be ordered from supply houses" (Barry). The availability of cures and remedies in the world will make it much easier for every person to achieve the health wanted at ease like buying mice from supply houses. By comparing two ideas and concepts, the point being portreyed seen on more levels than just one.
Rhetorical strategies used by John M. Barry to portrey his views about scientific discoveries are used effectively to get his point across to the reader. aslong as the point is clear, almost any strategy can be used to help the reader understand the author's point of view better. |