Figurative Language In John M. Barry's The Great Influenza

In John M. Barry’s “The Great Influenza”, he uses figurative language, compares and contrasts, and process analysis. Barry demonstrates that scientists are put through obstacles to be addressed as a Scientist and their duties as one by accepting doubt as a primary function for obtaining well-produced results. The passage begins by contrasting the ideas of certainty and uncertainty. Barry claims that certainty “creates strength” and “gives on something upon which to lean.”, while he explains that uncertainty “makes one tentative, if not fearful.” This gives an idea that there is a sense of doubt when it comes to facing obstacles such as scientist’s research and beliefs. “Scientists must accept the fact that all his or her work, even beliefs, may break apart upon the sharp edge of a single laboratory finding.” These points illustrate that scientists must be able to deal with uncertainty by having the “...intelligence and curiosity...passion, patience, creativity, self-sufficiency, and courage.”, which

“All real scientists exist on the frontier.” This gives an understanding of what the author sees when capturing the scientists everyday situation. He distinguishes that they do not have anything to guide them in the right direction. It could either “create form, structure, and direction.” or “take one off a cliff.”

The fourth paragraph proceeds to show the thought process of a scientist and illustrates the work being done to give an understanding that there are many different ways to get a job done. He claims that “a shovel can dig up dirt but cannot penetrate rock. Would a pick be best, or would dynamite be better一or would dynmate be too indiscriminately destructive?..” Additionally, this series of questions illustrates the dangers of making a wrong choice, and the necessity of uncertainty in making decisions that one can be certain about. To be more precise, inquiry and questioning leads to