The Wisdom in Irony:

J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Commencement Address to Harvard University

Katiah Peterson

CMST 450: Rhetorical Theory/Criticism

Patricia Chantrill
December 8, 2014

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 The Wisdom in Irony:
J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Commencement Address to Harvard University
Katiah Peterson

ABSTRACT

"Perhaps no one in our time has done more than J. K. Rowling to inspire young people to
experience the excitement and the sheer joy of reading," said Harvard University President
Drew G. Faust in a January 2008 announcement heralding Harry Potter creator and author J.K.
Rowling’s honorary degree and keynote address at the June commencement exercises. The
speech Rowling gave that June was titled, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance
of Imagination.” She noted the irony of speaking about the benefits of failure on an occasion
commemorating graduate success; she also noted the irony of sending graduates out into the
“real world” while touting the virtues of human “imagination.”
This research employs both Neo-Classical and Close Textual approaches to answer the
question, “What rhetorical strategies are used to connect Rowling to her audience and compel
them to adopt her guidance?” Everyone should be reminded, now and then, that not every
challenge will result in success. But Rowling has an estimated worth of one billion dollars after
selling hundreds of millions of copies of her seven volume Harry Potter series over the last
decade. She is the American epitome of “success,” far beyond her monetary worth, precisely
because she wrote the magical narrative of a generation, the same generation that was
graduating from Harvard as she spoke. This research seeks to assess and evaluate how the
speaker managed to transcend the ironies of the moment and offer honest wisdom to her
enthralled audience.

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Introduction

J.K. Rowling is the epitome of a successful women who can be acclaimed to represent a

huge piece of our modern bestselling novel puzzle. In June of 2008, she reminded Harvard

graduates, associates, faculty, parents, and YouTube viewers from afar, just how important her

words are (and will continue to be) not only to the graduating generation, but to generations to

come. Rowling’s consistent use of irony in the “benefits of failure” compared with the

“importance of imagination” details her own personal struggles, her dire acceptance of the failure

she endured, and the opportunity she was given to not only use but expand her imagination to

bring upon her presently well-known success. This live oration, recorded and transcribed as a

text following the June 2008 commencement, rendered J.K. Rowling an honorary degree from

Harvard University and a standing ovation from her gratified audience.

This commencement address, filled with various emotional appeals and endless modesty,

will surely be remembered for years to come as Rowling effectively presents her thoughtful

advice to be retained by the newly successful Harvard graduates. In an interview with USA

Today, President Faust stated "Years after her visit to Harvard, people still talk about it and still

find inspiration in her singular evocation of the idea that living a meaningful life so often means

daring to risk failure.” According to an article presented by Molly Driscoll of the Christian

Science Monitor, the speech has been so successful in its inspiration that it will be adapted and

published into a book “preserved for posterity.” As most would be able to recognize, Rowling

spent time and placed thought into what she was going to share with the Harvard graduates of

2008 – so much so, that she warranted herself sick with “fear and nausea” and effortlessly found

herself weighing less than she did before.

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 Rowling’s discussion on the benefits of failure can seem paradoxical, as she states in the

beginning; however, it is important that college graduates, especially those who filled her

audience, understand that not all endeavors will end in success. As a rhetorical artifact, this

commencement address provides an imperative viewpoint that not many of this genre have in

common. Rowling takes a subject – that would otherwise be considered taboo in college careers

– and makes it an essential piece to understanding life, how to survive, and finding the strength

and motivation to build a life back up from the depths of despair.

The Text

Rowling begins by addressing her audience, thanking them for awarding her with the

opportunity and expressing her nervousness in giving such an important speech. With this,

Rowling eases herself into her rhetorical expression by breaking the ice with the audience and

presenting them with something they can most nearly relate to – a Harry Potter reference. The

audience laughs, tensions loosen, and Rowling demonstrates the dire importance of creating a

relationship with her useful strategies and clearly thoughtful placement. Slowly and selflessly,

Rowling provides in insight into her world, heart, and mind as she presents her arguments with

strong emotional emphasis and valid evidence for her impactful persuasion: “I have asked myself

what I wish I had known at my own graduation, and what important lessons I have learned in the

21 years that have expired between that day and this.” Rowling solicits this statement as she

begins to dive into her presentation with grace and style, reminding the audience that she too,

was once one of them.

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 To emphasize her relationship with the audience, Rowling speaks on her experience with

parental expectations and her lack of desire to follow through. Instead, she follows her heart and

yearning desire to write which, consequently, lead to her creation of the Harry Potter spectacular.

At this, Rowling begins her discussion on the “benefits of failure” by first, acknowledging her

adolescent fear of failure that transpired in her college career. As Rowling continues, she

reiterates that her fears became a reality that led into a “tunnel” with an unforeseeable light at the

end. This statement leads into Rowling’s demonstration of self-discovery:

“The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means
that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know
yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity.
Such knowledge is a true gift, for all that it is painfully won, and it has been worth more
than any qualification I ever earned.”

At this, Rowling attempts to urge graduates to have the humility to discern between living a life

of checked-off accomplishments, and putting fears aside in order to let failure teach essential life

lessons.

Rowling’s second theme “the importance of imagination” plays an equal role in the

dissection of this artifact. When Rowling talks about her experience with imagination, she goes

into a much larger description of the imagination and how it develops a sense of morality and

self-effacement in human life. In her early 20s, Rowling held employment in the African

research department at Amnesty International in London, England. During her association with

Amnesty, she was presented with tragic stories, eye-witness accounts, and an unbelievable first-

hand familiarity with the evil doings of an unjust country. In her recounting of this period in her

life, she was able to provide the audience a unique perception into the inner working of

imagination. In Rowling’s illustration, she seeks to provide an understanding of the capabilities

having an imagination can bring the graduates. Not only does it allow for creativity, big dreams

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and future hopes, but it also has the power to let human beings place themselves in the “shoes”

of others. With an imagination, comes the ability to face horrors through others eyes and enhance

our empathetic nature. Rowling states that:

“Unlike any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand,
without having experienced. They can think themselves into other people’s places.”

Preceding the conclusion of her commencement address, Rowling, subtly and skillfully,

places a call to action for the graduates. This statement touches upon the societal influence that

the graduates have now that they have completed their first degree of education. Rowling implies

that it would be erroneous to reach a high prestige and not use that power or influence to make

changes in the world – seeing that many of these graduates will now have the opportunity to take

on leadership roles. In this precession, Rowling compares the world of magic she has created, to

the world we are in today and allows for a bridge to be built between the two simply by

imagining a brighter future. In her conclusion, she honors the graduates with a hopeful

declaration that they build solid friendships, remember the words of the wise, and live “very

good lives.”

The Neo-Classical

The Neo-Classical or “Traditional” approach to rhetoric entails a critical analysis of the

orator’s rhetorical devices, the effect those devices has on the audience, and the overall purpose

or goal of the oration. Unlike Close-Textual Analysis, this classic method “puts the focus on

what a piece of work does, not what it is.” Under this method, this essay will touch upon

Aristotle’s three species of rhetoric: forensic, deliberative and epideictic; and examine Rowling’s

chosen type(s) for this particular oration. As the neo-classical approach requires, this study will
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also discuss the three modes of persuasion (ethos, pathos, logos) and the impact Rowling’s

choice has on the outcome of her discourse. This section of the research will place importance

on the overall appeal of J.K. Rowling’s commencement address, her attitude while giving the

speech, the connection she makes with her audience, and how she presents her guidance in an

effective and graceful manner.

J.K. Rowling is a natural-born writer with the ability to place her audience into her stories

through passionate language, intellect, and an endlessly warm demeanor. During this

commencement speech, she uses her writing and speaking skills to the most promising

advantage. Rowling presents her counsel by first, making a valuable connection with the

audience. Most, if not all, of the audience members are familiar with Rowling’s work, and can

relate to her “ice-breaking” references – this is just a surface connection, but it allows for a

deeper involvement from both Rowling and the Harvard graduates alike.

At first glance, it may seem that Rowling is using this speech as a celebration of the

accomplishments the graduates have bestowed upon themselves; however, after listening further,

it is blatantly obvious that her tactic leans more in the deliberative direction. Although placed at

the conclusion of the address, Rowling plainly and commendably asks the graduates to use their

new found status in a way that changes the world around them. She isolates their future

endeavors by proposing that they refuse to complete to their college education, just to maintain a

status or persona. Rowling’s importance is placed on the fact that these graduates now have the

ability to demonstrate “magic” through their desires to influence change, arouse strength, and

employ kindness. In presenting her past examples during the forensic portions of the speech,

Rowling is able to explain the significance each of her experiences had in making her the person

she is today.

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 When analyzing this rhetorical artifact, it is important to note what kind of method J.K.

Rowling employs to persuade the audience to follow her advice and advance in life in a positive

and influential custom. Since Rowling’s personal experiences are an immense part of this

oration, they tend to instill carefully sought out feelings. It’s safe to say that her main focus was

placed on the use of pathos, or emotional appeal. To enhance, alter and support whatever

feelings may be present in the audience, Rowling takes to using sympathetic lines to not only

validate the graduates, but “force” them to carefully evaluate her words for their own personal

situations. As stated in the above section, Rowling tells of her experience with failure, followed

by the power of having an imagination – with the telling of these emotionally provocative trials

of struggle, Rowling’s storytelling talents are demonstrated to the point of perfected persuasion.

Pathos is not the only persuasive method used by Rowling in this commencement

address. Although maybe subtle and less appealing, a fair use of logos is present as Rowling

attempts to find a balance between what Harvard graduates know, and what they will need to

know to be successful real-world dwellers. For example, Rowling states:

“I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-
educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak…However, the fact that you are
graduating from Harvard suggests that you are not very well-acquainted with failure.”

With this, Rowling shows her support for the graduates, and at the same presents a valid reason

for the audience to be offered such a seemingly taboo topic by the keynote speaker. Rowling’s

logical motivation is driven not only by the setting, but by the audience’s background,

intellectual reaches, and highly fragile future. Rowling is not simply attempting to sell herself or

her guidance, but rather, pursuing the chance that maybe these newly graduated Harvard students

will take each words, sentence and phrase to a place in their heart and mind that will continue to

resonate for years to come.

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 The third and final method of persuasion is one that my research found to be barely

relevant to this particular commencement address. Ethos, although important in many rhetorical

orations, is not noticeably used by Rowling. As a well-known author and creator of a magical

world that touched the hearts and minds of many, Rowling takes the stage with the audience

already aware of her personal accomplishments, and a basic idea of her ethical nature. It is

evident that Rowling is not out to harm, manipulate, or even bring about her own fame in order

to get her point across. As she was asked, and honored, to stand at the podium and provide the

graduates with influential pieces of advice that they could follow throughout their future lives,

her intentions were completely selfless.

Conclusion

J.K. Rowling is not only a passionate, influential and talented writer, but her incredibly

powerful speaking ability enhances her persona into an unreachable depth of success and

supremacy. As a rhetorical artifact, this commencement address touches upon the emotional

energy of the audience, sends each individual down a newfound path towards future happiness,

and stirs up carefully thought out post-grad plans that may otherwise no longer resonate with the

listening audience. Rowling carefully choses her rhetorical devices in order to persuade the

audience (most importantly, the graduates) into finding a comfort in the risk of failure and taking

an alternative approach to the significance of using an imagination.

Throughout the oration, Rowling uses emotional (pathos) and logical (logos) appeal as

well as her well-known status to bring about past experiences that the audience can surely find

some connection with. Her touching stories not only display her character and explain why she

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does what she does so well, but allow the graduates to learn from and associate with her personal

struggles. As Rowling mentions in her piece about the importance of the imagination, human

beings have the ability to place themselves in other people’s situations and learn from them

without actually having to experience the trials and tribulations first-hand. With each method –

Close-Textual Analysis and Neo-Classical approaches – used in this research, it has been found

that Rowling passionately and successfully presented a piece of work that will not only be

remembered by the many audience members, but also by fellow orators and Universities who

attempt to live up to her endless wonder.

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 Works Cited

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http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~davis/crs/E398t/Bitzer--Rhetorical Situation.pdf

Burgchardt, C. (1995). Neo-Classical Criticism. In Readings in rhetorical criticism (pp. 148-

173). State College, Pa.: Strata Pub.

Driscoll, M. (2014, December 3). J.K. Rowling's Harvard commencement speech will become a

book. Retrieved December 8, 2014, from http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-

verse/2014/1203/J.K.-Rowling-s-Harvard-commencement-speech-will-become-a-book

Rowling, J. (2008, June 5). Text of J.K. Rowling’s speech. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from

http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2008/06/text-of-j-k-rowling-speech/

Sprout, E., Driscoll, D., & Brizee, A. (2012, April 27). Welcome to the Purdue OWL. Retrieved

December 8, 2014, from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/625/03/

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