Meaning: The quote "Great writers arrive among us like new diseases threatening, powerful, impatient for patients to pick up their virus, irresistible" by Craig Raine is a thought-provoking analogy that compares the impact of great writers on society to the spread of a powerful and irresistible disease. This comparison carries a sense of urgency and inevitability, suggesting that the influence of great writers is pervasive and inescapable, much like the spread of a contagious illness.

Raine's use of the word "threatening" in the quote implies that great writers bring about a sense of danger or disruption to the status quo. Their ideas and words have the potential to challenge established norms and beliefs, shaking up the existing order and introducing new perspectives. This can be seen as a form of threat to those who are resistant to change but can also be viewed as a necessary force for progress and evolution in society.

The phrase "impatient for patients to pick up their virus" indicates the eagerness of great writers to disseminate their ideas and insights to a receptive audience. It conveys a sense of urgency and a desire for their work to be embraced and internalized by readers. This impatience suggests a certain level of confidence in the value and impact of their writing, as well as a keen awareness of the potential influence they can wield.

Furthermore, the use of the word "irresistible" in the quote emphasizes the compelling nature of great writing. It suggests that once exposed to the ideas and creativity of exceptional writers, individuals are inevitably drawn in and affected by their work. The allure of their words is so potent that it becomes nearly impossible to resist their impact, leading to a transformative experience for the readers.

In essence, Raine's quote encapsulates the profound and influential nature of great writers and their work. It highlights the contagious and pervasive effect that their writing can have on individuals and society as a whole. Just as a powerful disease can spread rapidly and affect a large population, great writers have the ability to permeate the cultural fabric, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.

In a broader context, this quote can also be interpreted as a commentary on the power of literature and creative expression to shape and mold human thought and behavior. It underscores the idea that writers have the potential to instigate change, challenge assumptions, and inspire new ways of thinking. The comparison to a "new disease" serves as a metaphor for the transformative and sometimes disruptive impact of great writing on the human mind and society.

Overall, Raine's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of great writers and the profound impact of their words. It invites reflection on the contagious nature of creativity and the enduring power of literature to shape our perceptions, beliefs, and understanding of the world around us.