Introduction
A marriage is a relationship that exists between people in love regardless of whether they are of the same or different sexes. This is the main point that Evan Wolfson tries to drive through in his excerpt ‘What is Marriage’.
He argues that the marriage framework is a very important process in almost everyone’s life and states that everyone should have the right to get married and secure and decent future receiving support from the government, the family and the society at large.
The main points covered in this except include
1. The definition of marriage
2. The importance and the implications of marriage.(both straight and gay marriages)
3. The society’s general feeling towards the marriage concept of marriage and why everyone should be free to engage in any type of marriage.
Wolfson soundly develops his arguments by asserting that the perceptions and values of marriage are similar in every part of the world and if an individual loves another, they should receive encouragement to enter into a formal marriage so as to enjoy the full support and benefits from the community and society.
Wolfson particularly emphasizes on gay marriages and through his definition of marriage, he expresses that people in such unions should also be allowed to enjoy the benefits accrued by marriage. To support various points in his excerpt, Wolfson makes use of various analogies. A perfect example of this is when he makes a reference to the story of Cindy Meneghin and Maureen Kilian to show how the inability of gay couples to get married hurts a family up to a level where they are unable to receive health insurance.
He also makes use of literally devices such as allusion to further support his argument. For example, he alludes to the fact that prisoners are allowed to get married and as such, gay couples should have the same right too. Wolfson delivers his argument in simple language and terms and also in a vindictive tone, something that deeply exhibits his enthusiasm with the issue. By using this, he is trying to ensure that his opinion resonates with the audience.
In summary, Wolfson main argument is that the marriage concept should not be discriminated along gender lines and should instead be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their gender.
Works cited
Wolfson, Evan. What Is Marriage? Rereading America. 8th ed. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin's. 2012
