John M Barry Rhetorical Analysis Essay

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” is a quote stated form Albert Einstein. The quote talks about how people need to believe in themselves even though it seems impossible. Just like how John M. Barry indicates a message about believing in beliefs and ideas. John M. Barry is an author that writes about the scientists and their findings. In his 1918 flu epidemic, John M. Barry implements vivid imagery, effective ethos, and precise pathos to communicate a message of believing in oneself beliefs just like scientists had too.
First, John M. Barry constructs vivid imagery to emphasize the trials and difficulties that life throws at people. People experience trial and error when choosing the best way to go about an issue. Scientist use this method when working on their labs and experiments. The author states, “If the rock is impenetrable, if dynamite would destroy what one is looking for, is there another way of getting information about what the rock holds?” (Barry 5). Barry develops the purpose of the excerpt by being very descriptive when

talking about the experiment of the rock. Also, the way he describes the way to break the rock. Before making a decision people and scientists think through their ideas before they begin the real deal. For example, ”Would analyzing the water after it passes over the rock reveal anything useful? How would one analyze it?” (Barry 5). Developing the purpose was done by using words that create pictures in the people’s minds. By doing this it gives the reader a better understanding of the text. Imagery aids the reader to get the whole picture on the text and assist in comprehending what the text is about. With believing in oneself, imagery can help figuratively when trying to find out what is true and false in the world.
Second, John M. Barry utilizes effective ethos to strengthen the idea of staying true to ones beliefs and proving them accurate. Scientists have certain beliefs in the work they do and have gather information to back of their study. According to Barry, “And just as Einstein refused to accept his own theory until his predictions were tested, one must seek out such finding.” (3). The purpose is progressed by the way Barry uses an expert to convey the story along. Giving an example of a specific scientist that didn't believe in his work at first. There is doubt everywhere is the world, everyone doubts themselves no matter what the situation may be. As John M. Barry states, “For as Claude Bernard, the great French physiologist of the nineteenth century, said, “Science teaches us to doubt.” (2). Ethos constructs the message to show that famous people and anyone of any age has uncertainty about the actions or thoughts they have. Uncertainty can be very difficult because it makes it hard to over come remarkable obstacles that life throws at someone. Also, can reduce the confidence someone has to do a specific task.
Third, Barry establishes precise pathos to communicate that people will always face failure in life.

No one wants to be a failure at all in life but failure is all around us. For example, “Uncertainty makes one tentative if not fearful, and tentative steps, even when in the right direction, may not overcome significant obstacles.” (Barry 1). The purpose was advanced through showing that everyone has to fail in life, so they learn from their mistakes. Everyone makes decisions not knowing what will happen once it is done. Barry suggests, “It is the courage to accept—indeed, embrace—uncertainty.” (2). Pathos developed Barry’s motive by stating that accepting the failure will help believing in oneself easier as life goes on. Accepting mistakes and failure helps get overcome those difficult obstacles people face in their life

time.
In his 1918 flu epidemic, John M. Barry implements vivid imagery, effective ethos, and precise pathos to communicate a message of believing in oneself beliefs just like scientists had too. All the rhetorical devices make the text powerful and beautiful created images in my head and add emotion to create a powerful effect. The credibility gave it a powerful effect as well. This should inspire people to go and look inside themselves and what they are proud of in life.