REHUGO - Reading

Phan 1
Taylor Phan

Mr. Soeth

English 3AP

January 26, 2011

REHUGO Analysis—Reading: “In Search of the Good Family"

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

B. In this article, “In Search of the Good Family,” Jane Howard, the author, begins by stating that the human race needs a family, a group, or a network of some sort. Howard describes a network as if it were a necessity to a human being and even if a person is confined to solitude, a family is still necessary to remain sane.

C. Evidence:
a. Howard, through the use of logos, argues that “The best-chosen clans, like the best friends and the best blood families endure by accumulating a history solid enough to suggest a future"(283). She then explains how the best type of clan is based on how it is created, whether it’s because the group has something in common, similar personality, or if they share the same ambitions. This group can then get to know each other and spend time with one another as they have the same interests; this therefore builds history, and creates a strong basis for a family-type relationship.
b. Howard expresses her opinion by providing a list of ten traits or characteristics that a good family contains. The first two on the list are essential jobs to a group such as the founder, who carries different achievements, and the the switchboard operator who checks up on everyone to see what they’re up to, and this person is usually responsible for keeping track of pictures or a scrapbook. The other eight describe what a good family is and what they should do. For example, “Good families are affectionate”(287). This quote shows us what a good family should act; without the affection of hugs, a family can not be considered a tribe at all, regardless of age.

D. Rhetorical Devices
a. Repetition: Howard’s usage of repetition when she lists the ten traits of her typical close network. With each new numbered paragraph, she begins the paragraph by saying “ Good families...” (285-288) then she explains why a family needs this or should have this, and she gives an example, “Good families should also honor their elders.” (288) Also, she states that the more the ages differs, the strong the tribe. This emphasizes her idea of a close tribe, or rather a family that is close, connected on many different levels, and helping each other when one needs help.
b. Exemplification: Howard uses exemplification to support her idea of a close family. She claims that a family should be hospitable, and when they start building history, such as sharing a piece of pie of Thanksgiving, it opens a door to a deeper level of trust, and starts the basis of a good family. These people can then trust, for example, “They mean that you can ask me to supervise your children for the fortnight you will be in the hospital, and that however inconvenient this might be for me, I shall manage to do so”(286). This backs up her idea of hospitality, by doing something for one person, they shall later return the favor whenever a person is in need. Before one can begin these exchanges of favors for one another, one has to initiate contact of some sort to show that they cared about and noticed to be able to help each other whenever a person is in need of help.

MLA Citation:

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