An Analysis on George Carlinby

Jake Robsahm

Life is Worth Losing

A philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will

ex·is·ten·tial·ism

One of the most famous American Comedians.

Won five Grammy Awards for Comedy Albums.

Renowned for his black humor and thoughts on taboo subjects.

Died one week after his final performance.

George Carlin (1937 – 2008)

What does it mean “to be”?What is Truth?How do we know what we know?What is our responsibility to others?What matters?Does existence precede essence?

The Fundamental Questions

This presentation will be exploring George Carlin and how his humor relates to absurdism and existentialism.

Pointing out the absurd in society was George Carlin’s forte.

We will be analyzing this.Compare Carlin’s material to literature.Contrast Carlin to more traditional

viewpoints.Agree or Disagree with Carlin.Answer the “fundamental questions”.

This Presentation

One of George Carlin’s most famous routines.Describes the meaning of life as being the

acquisition of stuff (obvious satire).Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x_QkG

PCL18

“Stuff” - 1986

What was your reaction?What do you think George Carlin meant by

the meaning of life being the acquisition of “stuff”?

How does this routine relate to the question “What matters?”

“What does it mean to be?”How can this be related to Hamlet? To The

Stranger? To other works?

Analysis!

Carlin was infamous for pointing out the absurdity of society.

Illustrated by his take on “Flamethrowers”.Short and quick.Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeCJB

hT28d4

Flamethrowers - 1984

What was your reaction?What is the purpose of this routine?How does Carlin show the absurdity of all of

society through one small facet of society?How does this routine illustrate absurdism?How can this be related to R&G? Hamlet?

The Stranger? And other literature?

Analysis!

Another satire of all of society through one aspect of society.

Describes what it means to be an American through Carlin’s viewpoint.

Enjoy!http://youtu.be/2Rlqjxst6xU

We Like War - 1988

What was your reaction?Do you agree with George Carlin’s viewpoint

on war and American society at large?How does Carlin succeed in making all of

American society look absurd through war?“What does it mean to be?”“What is Truth?”“How do we know what we know?”

Analysis!

Carlin’s point of view on “Saving the Planet”.Shows the arrogance of mankind – how we

think we actually matter or make a difference in the grand scheme of things.

Enjoy!http://youtu.be/2cjRGee5ipM

The Arrogance of Mankind - 1992

What was your reaction?Do you agree with George Carlin’s

assessment of society and humanity?Does Carlin succeed in his purpose, whatever

it may be?“What is Truth?”“What is our responsibility to others?”

Analysis!

Carlin was described as “bitter” in his old age.

Talked about much more serious and dark topics.

Suicide, politics, and religion frequented his later material.

Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVEDnyD

MHHQ

Life is Worth Losing - 2005

What was your reaction?What do you think of how Carlin treats a

serious topic such as suicide so casually?Do you prefer “old” or “young” Carlin?“What does it mean to be?”“Is life really worth living at all?”“What is our responsibility to others?

Analysis!

Carlin wrote several books in his lifetime.His final book, Last Words, was released after

his death in 2009.The book, though more serious in tone,

provides some of the best insight to Carlin’s view on the world.

Narrated by his brother, Patrick Carlin.http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvx6JwO63to

Last Words - 2009

How does Carlin’s more serious tone compare to his humor?

Do you think this provides a better insight on Carlin than his humor, or not? Why?

Compare this to the famous “To be or not to be” from Hamlet, as well as any other literature.

“What does it mean to be?”“What is our responsibility to others?”

Analysis!

Do you think George Carlin was an existentialist?

Do you think George Carlin would have labeled himself as an existentialist?

Could Carlin be considered an absurdist?A nihilist?What does George Carlin’s career tell us

about comedy?Can comedy be used to convey a powerful

message?Many modern comedians claim to be inspired

by Carlin. Why?

And Another Thing…

Rest in PeaceGeorge Carlin (1937 – 2008)