Meaning: The quote you have provided is from John Hersey's book "Hiroshima," which is a journalistic account of the experiences of six survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. The quote describes the devastating impact of radiation on the human body in the aftermath of the bombing.

In the quote, Hersey recounts how the doctors in Hiroshima came to the realization that many of the deceased victims had not only suffered from burns and blast effects but had also absorbed enough radiation to kill them. This realization was made in retrospect, highlighting the initial lack of understanding of the full extent of the radiation's impact on the victims. The description of the radiation's effects on the body is particularly grim, as it details how the rays destroyed body cells, caused their nuclei to degenerate, and broke their walls.

The quote is significant in that it captures the horrific and long-lasting effects of radiation exposure on the human body. The destructive power of the atomic bomb not only caused immediate devastation through the initial blast and heat, but it also unleashed a silent and invisible killer in the form of radiation. The quote underscores the indiscriminate nature of the bomb's impact, as it inflicted suffering and death on those who were not immediately killed by the initial explosion.

John Hersey's "Hiroshima" is a powerful and influential work that brought attention to the human suffering caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Through the personal stories of survivors, Hersey's book provided a poignant and harrowing portrayal of the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of the bombing. The quote you provided is just one example of the vivid and haunting descriptions found in the book, which shed light on the true horror of nuclear warfare.

In the broader context of history, the bombing of Hiroshima and its aftermath raised profound ethical and moral questions about the use of nuclear weapons and the devastating consequences for civilian populations. The quote serves as a reminder of the catastrophic effects of nuclear warfare and the urgent need to prevent such devastation from being repeated in the future.

Overall, the quote from John Hersey's "Hiroshima" serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of radiation and its devastating impact on the human body. It encapsulates the grim reality faced by the victims of the atomic bombing and contributes to a deeper understanding of the profound and long-lasting consequences of nuclear warfare. Hersey's work continues to be a poignant and influential account that resonates with readers, serving as a powerful testament to the human cost of war and the imperative of pursuing peace.