TOW #17 (written text)- "Good Enough? That's Great" by Daniel Jones

As Valentines Day approaches, many men are desperately thinking of ways to surprise their wives with something special and romantic. Although, nowadays men find is harder and harder to do so as they slowly lose interest in their marriage. According to Daniel Jones from the NY Times, couples often lose interest in each other over time due to a lack of excitement and passion. Men become irritated with their relationship that is “punctuated with deadening routines, cyclical arguments and repetitive conversations.” So, in order to find an outlet for their relationship struggles, men are more likely to cheat on their wives, leading to even greater marriage struggles.

            In the article “Good Enough? That’s Great,” Jones effectively informs adults of these increasingly common relationship struggles and offers ways to improve them by offering ultimatums and using specific diction.

            Jones’ primary rhetorical device, cause and effect, is evident throughout the article. In the beginning of the text, he lays out common and realistic relationship troubles that almost all couples can relate to. Then, he almost puts himself in the shoes of the husband, and offers ways to improve a marriage. He states that if steps are not taken to resolve such problems, men are certainly more likely to cheat or look for a divorce and fresh start in the “love life.” In order to get readers to listen to this ultimatum, Jones carefully uses diction that effectively appeals to pathos. Using words such as “marital malaise” and “deadening routines,” Jones almost makes husbands and wives feel bad about themselves. By creating this tone, readers are more willing to seek change in their marriage. The powerful diction used by Jones acts almost as a threat to married men and women, helping them convince that the ultimatum may very likely become a reality and destroy their family.