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Analysis Of What It Is By Lynda Barry

Decent Essays

The graphic Novel, “What It Is”, by Lynda Barry expresses the idea of creativity in the perspective of the author. By gradually discussing about her childhood experience, we were given her own reflection about how creativity is formed. However, it wasn’t a gentle and smooth road for Barry. A section of this book titled “Two Questions” deals with one of the many obstacles Barry had to face throughout her life. This section is useful for understanding the creative process.
One reason, the “Two Questions” section is useful is when it shows the start of creativity from imagination. In the section Barry states, “The lines made a picture and the picture made a story. I wasn’t the only kid it happened to. Every kid I know could do it” (124). …show more content…

Throughout pages 127-134, one can see how the Two Questions appear as demanding ghost that torment Barry. Often the ghost will critique her work as if each of them needs to be good and not weird. And as Barry will constantly ask herself as to what happened and what is missing as she struggles to find any closure to the answer. And all the ghosts will do is give her vague answers and then continue harassing with insults. And even through the years of sticking with only “good drawings”, Barry was never satisfied or ever happy about drawing them and then continues to struggle just what is “good” in the definitions of others. Many can relate to this idea of having to please others while struggling with creating the work itself because it offers a sense of appreciation that is rather difficult to obtain on your own. And the answer to solve one’s own doubt is always the hardest to understand.
An alternative reason as to why this section of the book is useful is the understatement of one’s own creativity. At the end of the section, Barry states, “to be able to stand not knowing long enough to let something alive take shape! Without the two questions so much is possible. To all the kids who quit drawing…Come back!” (135). Barry understanding that creativity is limitless is when she can finally let go of the two questions that had plagued her mind for years. This new understanding has given her back that sense of fulfillment of drawing without

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