The rainbow bridge: an approach to family systems via Howards End

Bateson's ideas of artistic expression, the continuity of Art and Science and the nature of Mind are used as cues for the exploration of Howards End, E. M. Forster's novel of family life. Illustrations of systemic concepts are given from the text. Particular relevance is suggested for the use of literary examples in family therapy training and in the development of family systems theory.