Laughter By Gary Larson Analysis

A native of Tacoma, Gary Larson’s comedic artistry that brought smiles to millions over the decades, may be construed as controversial and a reflection of social events. Over the years Larson’s talent has been displayed in newspapers, art galleries, and books. His humor “known to be on the dark side”, gives his personal view of human culture and “life on this planet” (Sherr). His approach to the unthinkable subject matter, draws readers to his comics and laughter to the uncomfortable, politically incorrect material that most feel uneasy to discuss.
One of Larson’s most popular drawings, Why dinosaurs went extinct, reflected the changing perception of smoking within our culture. Although the new characters brought laughter to millions, his readers are impacted by the underlying messages that continue in conversations

He explains that “we should treat it with the respect due to life” (1). Larson’s drawings began with his creativity and skill of making other feel emotion, but Bergson’s statement, “It must have a social significance” (3), explaining a deeper reflection when one analyzing Gary Larson’s 15 years with The Far Side.
The dysfunctional layers of being human, are displayed in the majority of Larson’s work, giving us a prime example of what Bergson explains as “simplifies us” (6). Bergson claims that comics do not want to make things complicated, but straightforward.
Bergson’s comment, “What life and society require of each of us is a constantly alert attention... to enable us to adapt ourselves in consequence” (7), brings the reader’s attention to human survival. Gary Larson’s comedic reflections strive to make his artwork, funny, yet mindful of their surroundings. Drawing after drawing, Larson exposes the familiar conclusion that man is his own worst enemy. Bergson’s reflection explains that “natural consequences bring their own penalties… simply exposes himself to man’s curiosity”