Make Good Art Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Neil Gaiman is a renowned author, screenwriter, and graphic novelist who delivered a commencement speech titled "Make Good Art" at the University of the Arts in 2012. In his speech, Gaiman encourages aspiring artists to persevere in their creative pursuits despite the many obstacles they may meet. He draws on personal anecdotes and experiences to inspire his audience and uses pathos to engage them throughout the speech. Gaiman's "Make Good Art" speech has since become a popular source of inspiration for creative professionals. This rhetorical analysis essay examines the effectiveness of Neil Gaiman's rhetorical strategies in his "Make Good Art" speech. The analysis will examine his purpose, audience, genre, and rhetorical appeals, to figure

The humor keeps the audience engaged and emphasizes the absurdity of the obstacles that artists face. For instance, Gaiman explains that vulnerability is a sign of progress and authenticity and humorously states, "The moment that one feels exposed, that's when they are starting to get it right." Gaiman uses humor to explain this point while also highlighting the absurdity of letting self-doubt get in the way of progress. Moreover, Gaiman addresses the fear of being called a fraud by saying that the first problem of any kind of limited success is the unshakable conviction of getting away with something. Gaiman humorously addresses this fear while emphasizing the absurdity of letting what others think bring down one's work. Finally, Gaiman emphasizes that artists must continue creating despite setbacks. He humorously states, "Make good art. I'm serious. Husband runs off with a politician? Make good art. Leg crushed and then eaten by a mutated boa constrictor? Make good art." Gaiman uses these absurd scenarios to address the idea that setbacks can be a motive instead of obstacles. Overall, Gaiman's effective use of humor strengthens his message and keeps the audience engaged throughout the speech. By highlighting the absurdity of the obstacles that artists face and using humor to address common fears and setbacks, Gaiman effectively

While he encourages listeners to "make good art" in the face of adversity, this advice may not be actionable for everyone. It may be challenging for some individuals to figure out what steps to take to progress in their creative work, particularly when they face significant challenges. Moreover, Gaiman emphasizes the significance of being vulnerable and authentic in one's creative work, but he does not offer specific guidance on how to cultivate these qualities. Although vulnerability may be an essential part of the creative process, it can be a daunting and demanding thing for many people. Gaiman's speech offers a relatable and inspiring tone through his personal anecdotes, but it may still leave some listeners unsatisfied with the lack of practical guidance. Gaiman's stories of his struggles to become a writer may be relatable to many, but they may not supply enough direction for listeners seeking concrete steps to overcome their obstacles. Furthermore, while adversity can be a source of inspiration for some, it can also be a significant setback for others, and Gaiman does not supply any guidance on how to navigate these challenges. Overall, while Gaiman effectively uses humor and personal anecdotes to convey his message, his lack of concrete advice