Topic
The interview “Parents Who Love in a Living Hell” by Laurie Ashner and Mitch Meyerson focuses on two main topics: Billy’s bad behavior and how Billy’s parents react to Billy’s behavior. While these are the underlying themes of the article, note that the writer also touches upon topics like parenting and an unhappy marriage.
The interview is a case study where an unnamed father tells the story of his dysfunctional family, focusing on his son Billy’s bad behavior. He also gives details on the relationship between him and his wife and on how they handle Billy’s situ…
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Billy’s bad behavior
At the beginning of the interview, we learn that Billy has finally agreed to see a therapist, after a difficult year for the entire family: “Now that Billy’s agreed to see a therapist, it’s a relief. This last year has been a living hell for us.” (p. 103, ll. 1-2)
Billy had been arrested twice – the first time he was in a car with a drunk driver, Rick, and a few of his friends. They were pulled over by a police officer for speeding, but the police officer also found open bot…
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How Billy’s parents react to his behavior
In the interview, Billy’s father also speaks about how he and his wife react to the problems caused by Billy.
After Billy was arrested for being in a car with a drunk driver and open bottles of beer, Billy’s father was surprised that he was stupid enough to let himself be caught in a car with open beer bottles (this is illegal in most states in the US) (p. 103, ll. 13-15). However, he accepts and tries to understand the fact that Billy drinks beer with his friends, because he himself tried different drugs when he was a teenager (p. 103, ll. 9-12). The father wants Billy to know this about him, possibly as a way to make Billy feel understood and connect with him: “I freely admit this to Billy.” (p. 103, l.11)
Afterwards, Billy’s parents grounded him for two weeks and tried to convince him to see a therapist, but he refused (p. 104, ll. 5-6).
Billy’s father was tempted to let him stay in jail after his second ar…
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Argumentation
Most of the interview is characterized by direct argumentation. In general, Billy’s father explains his ideas and expresses his beliefs in a straightforward manner.
Billy’s father explains why he and his wife insist that Billy goes to school and why he writes notes to excuse his tardiness: “Look, I know it’s wrong, but in high school today they flunk kids for being late without an excuse. Whare are we supposed to do? We want him to graduate.” (p. 103, ll. 21-23)
Direct argumentation can also be observed when Billy’s father justifies Billy’s behavior with a straightforward explanation: “I think he just wants t…
