Rehugo

Merna Nashed
Mr.Soeth
English 3AP
January 26,2011



A. “In Search of a Good Family”-Jane Howard.

B. Jane Howard states that everyone needs family, to get them through the tough times, and even in times like these when most family members are across the seas, we can always look to friends and have them become our families as well. But just because you start to have a lot more friends that become your family that doesn’t mean you can just neglect your relatives.

C. In her opening paragraphs Howard says “But that they are too far away. In emergencies we rush across continents and if need be the oceans to their sides, as they do to ours. Maybe we make a habit of seeing them, once or twice a year, for the sheer pleasure of it.” Howard states ethos in this quote because many people can relate to it. Countless families get together a few times a year, which is hardly enough time to get acquainted with their family members. Numerous people know how it feels to have families live in other countries, states, and even different cities which can make a big difference. Having said that blood relatives are not always around, and that’s why having friends is also important, because they can also support you like family can. “It gets harder and harder with the passage of time. It’s stressful. That’s why you need support systems.” This statement is pathos because it appeals to peoples’ emotions considering everyone needs someone to support them especially their families and friends.

D. One of the important rhetorical strategies that Howard uses is classification and division, to say how families should be, and that they don’t need to be blood related to be your relatives. She does this so we can understand what she is trying to say which is a family is more than relatives but a group of people you can relate to and enjoy life with. Howard also uses repetition in each of her observations starting with “Good families.” Each of these observations tells how families should be, for example they should have leaders, rituals, and they should be hospitable and affectionate. According to these observations Howard is trying to point out that families should be this way, knowing that everyone needs a family.