The country's warriors are described as "symbolic of initial human strength." Once again the adjective is of importance. The word "initial" signifies the state before disease. Once the disease has its hold, however, all human strength falters and the struggle becomes futile and indeed fatal.

Churchill also uses a number of symbolic assertions in association with the disease itself. These include "loathsome hand and poisonous sting" and "poisonous breath and blighted wing." There is nothing to redeem the reputation of the influenza. It is the words of all things on earth. The diction used, such as "sting" and "wing" further emphasizes the inhuman quality of the disease. It is seen in terms of a type of insect, despite the personifying effects of words like "hand" and "breath." The adjectives "loathsome" and "poisonous" negates any personification that can be ascribed to the disease. It is later personified as a "cruel, unconquerable...
[ View Full Essay]