The Great Influenza

Abstract

In one of the most recent outbreaks of infectious disease since the Black Plague, the 1918 flu epidemic caused mass hysteria around the world. In this excerpt from “The Great Influenza”, John M. Barry describes in detail about many things relating to this epidemic, including the side of a scientist and the methodologies of research. The author analyzed the tactics and qualities of scientists of the time to paint a picture of uncertainty as well as certainty that faced the early 20th century gripped by the flu. To convey to his audience what a scientist’s or researcher’s role consists of, Barry uses figurative language, syntax, and diction to elaborate.