Larsen's Myths with Special Guest Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is a writer and author whose works vary widely in premise and content; from Coraline, Stardust, American Gods, Good Omen, the graphic novel The Sandman, and many more.  He is considered to be a great writer and has won multiple awards. Here he gives a commencement address at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2012.  It is a long address, there are some moments of lull and disengagement, but also within the speech are many examples of Larsen's Cultural Images and Myths.

As with most speeches I've heard for this assignment, he begins with the Wisdom of the Rustic, the premise that we start from humble beginnings and that we will learn from our difficulties and trials through life.  He himself did not have a university education when he began his writing career, but went straight off and began writing and submitting his articles and stories for publishing.  He was rejected many times.  As he wrote more and more his writing got better and better.

This leads us into another of Larsen's Myth's, that of the Value of a Challenge.   This myth of Larsen's says that we will grow and gain knowledge from challenges. If we are not challenged then there is no impetus to grow and better ourselves.  Gaiman had significant challenges in the beginning of his writing career but viewed these challenges as a way to become a better writer.  Now many years later, he is a celebrated author and he credits the early difficulties and those throughout his career, with motivating him to become better at his craft.  He challenges his audience to do the same when they enter times of trouble or are presented with a challenge.

As with the majority of the speeches that have been presented on the class's blogs, the Possibility of Success is a primary focus and motivation.  It is the happy ending that helps connect him with the audience.  The audience for these types of address are typically looking for motivating factors and their happy ending.  He does not disappoint and speaks to his successes and his enjoyment of them or lack thereof.

Gaiman uses some process premises to connect with his audience.  While his speech is not overtly persuasive, he does feel the need to have them believe his words and his message.  He primarily uses attitudes as a process premise.  By appealing to the audience on a level and attitude that they will connect with, that of being creative people who will create art in many/various forms.  By having this attitude with them, it helps his connection with the audience.  Also, he utilizes emotions to varying degrees, both happy and unhappy.  Fear is also an emotion he utilizes to connect with the audience.  He expresses the fears and disappointments that he has experienced in his career. No doubt he understands that these new graduates are facing fear as they attempt to enter the world as professionals.  His ultimate joy and the conviction of his path and theirs will help assuage their own fears.  Finally, a sense of belonging is ever present within the speech, as if they are part of some special brotherhood of artists and writers who can be relied upon for support.

Neil Gaiman effectively utilized Larsen's Cultural Images and Myths to engage his audience and make them feel comfortable and receptive of the message.  While not as dynamic as it could have been, it certainly was able to accomplish the goals of the speech and connect with his intended audience.