Lindsey Schrock REHUGO

Lindsey Schrock

Mr. Soeth

  English 3 AP

January 26, 2011

REHUGO Analysis: Essay

A. “In Search of the Good Family”—Author: Jane Howard

B. In this essay, Howard states that everyone needs a ‘clan’ or ‘tribe’ to call their own; she supports this claim by sharing personal experiences and by presenting a compiled list of elements that signify whether or not a clan is a “good family.” Throughout the course of the passage, Howard utilizes anecdotes and cites reputable sources in order to prove that while one may not necessarily have the ability to choose their blood relatives, human beings have the power to select certain friends to become members of their extended family. Howard also uses comparison and contrast, as well as definition in order to illustrate what qualifies as a ‘good family.’

C. Evidence:

            a. By referring to the opinions of multiple credible sources, Howard successfully establishes her ethos. Throughout the passage, she cites reputable figures such as Aristotle, whose quotes concerning kinship are very reliable. In paragraph 4, she says, “Wishing to be friends, as Aristotle wrote, is quick work, but friendship is a slowly ripening fruit.” By referencing a wise figure such as Aristotle, Howard effectively conveys to her audience the importance of establishing close friendships. In paragraph eight, Howard cites the opinions of a social scientist regarding isolation and a need for “support systems.” As a result, the audience gives further credence to Howard’s argument.

            b. Emotional appeal is evident throughout Howard’s writing; she uses pathos in order to attain a sentimental and nostalgic response from the readers. By defining the term ‘family’ and by referring to scenarios that evoke reminiscent feelings and emotions from the audience, Howard grasps their attention. In paragraph thirteen, she says, “Catcher’s mitts, ballet slippers, overdue library books, and other signs of extrafamilial concerns are everywhere.” By referring to things commonly associated with one’s childhood, Howard effectively connects to her audience and reminds readers of their family, thus impressing upon them the importance family carries throughout the course of their life.

D. Rhetorical Strategies:

a. Comparison and Contrast: The use of comparison and contrast is found throughout the passage. For example, as Howard describes the characteristics of a “good family,” she lists qualities that loving, close-knit clans should have. In paragraph eleven, she says, “Good families have a switchboard operator—someone who…plays Houston Mission Control to everyone else’s Apollo.” By alluding to a figure which serves as a ‘leader,’ and by comparing the family to the Apollo, she demonstrates and stresses the necessity of having such a figure in the clan. Howard also juxtaposes relatives, and ‘chosen family members,’ or people that have been selected by individuals based on their close friendship. In paragraph two, she states, “If our relatives…cannot be our friends…we must try to transform our friends into our relatives. If blood and roots don’t do the job, then we must look to water and branches.” This is parallel to the statement made in paragraph eleven: “Sometimes clans based on water rather than blood harbor several such personages at one time.” In this statement, Howard is contrasting a blood-related family to a community or tribe of friends, therefore proving that in order to not be isolated and to be completely fulfilled, we must search for multiple clans of friends and family to satisfy our needs.

b. Definition: In order to show the audience what she means when repetitively referring to the “good family, Howard spends a majority of the excerpt supplying her definition of a “good family.” The entire foundation of the passage is based on exploring Howard’s meaning of the term “family.” She creates a list of ten points, each point supplying an additional definition and example of qualities that will be present and significant in a good family. She lists statements including: “Good families have a sense of place,” “Good families are hospitable,” etc. The passage depends heavily on definition; if Howard had not clearly defined what was considered a “good family,” then the audience would not have fully understood the message of the chapter. In paragraph sixteen, she says, “Good families prize their rituals…Rituals…evoke a past, imply a future, and hint at continuity.” She then provides a series of examples to explain the meaning of “rituals” in the context. By using specific examples and by describing her personal definition of the term family, Howard effectively stresses the importance of being a part of such a clan.  

MLA Citation:

Howard, Jane. "In Search of the Good Family." The Language of Composition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008. 283-88. Print.