THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. analysis

As easily seen, The Picture of Dorian Gray has a strong philosophical feel while reading. We watch relationships with good and evil grow. We also watch as the prominent "bad guy", Lord Henry, influences Dorian's life in all the wrong ways. Even when Henry is not with Dorian personally, we see him through Dorian's actions. All articles have strong feelings toward the influence Henry had on Dorian. The first article brings up some irony and foreshadowing that came about in the beginning of the novel. Similar foreshadowing is also seen in the second article as well. They also all talk about the relationship between Dorian and the evil he was filled with until the day he died. We also saw how easily Dorian was influenced. He seemed to live on the world, not in it. He was superior being in his mind, and I read many opinions in each article I read.

Philosophical approach, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

a. what view of life does the story present? to which character best articulates this viewpoint?.
We seem to view life as a shell in The Picture of Dorian Gray. It's like a place we are in, nut separate from. We see this very strongly in Dorian Gray and Lord Henry.
b. according to this works view of life, what is mankinds relationship to God? the universe?
Since we watch Dorian sell his sole to the Devil, I'm going to say that he doesn't have the best relationship with God personally. As for the universe, the characters seem to be living "on" it, but nor really in it. They see themselves as very important (most of them).
c. what moral statement, if any, does this story make? implicit or explicit?
I find the saying, "what goes around comes around" to really fit in with this novel. I'd say it was implicit because we only see this through the characters (ahh hem, Dorian Gray) actions.
d. what is the authors attitude toward his world? fate? God?
The author seems to have some deep feelings about our world, and he shows those through this novel. We also watch how the different characters have very different interactions with God.
e. what is the authors conception of good and evil?
The author has a dark side to evil, seeing how one of his characters sells his sole to the devil.
f. what does the work say about the nature of good or evil?
This work shows us how evil can become over powering if in the wrong hands.
g. What does the work say about human nature?
Human nature obviously is controlled by the person in which you are talking about, but we also see that humans can get easily caught up in the pointless things in life.

Thesis! :D
The Picture of Dorian Gray takes you on a philosophical adventure through the wonders of what could potentially be an evil world.

I.... am..... DONE

FINALLY. I HAVE REACHED MY FINAL BLOG. Yay. Okay, so over the past month or so, I have been reading essays and novels to prepare myself for the work that is ahead of me in this English course. I am not completely sure if I like blogging better than writing essays because both have their pros and cons. As far as essays go, you can simply write one and done, but blogs seem to go on and on. But! Blogs are shorter, and I feel like you can put more personal thought into them. Unfortunately, I am a major procrastinator, and that may be obvious by my last minute blogs. In that case, I feel like I still have no idea which would be worse, cramming an essay in, or finishing up my blogs? Hhhm, Essays are rough, and long, so as far as that goes, blogs are wonderful. I also liked the idea of blogs this summer because it is different. Essays are so routine and boring, that this was an insightful change! I hope that I am ready for not only this English class, but my other classes this year. Keeping my brain going this summer should have definitely helped!
:D

Jane Eyre question 8

Jane Eyre is obviously a historical novel. It was written many years ago, and is a good example of “the old times”. It seemed quite accurate as well as interesting. Jane has many different relationships throughout the novel, and each one seems to have different responsibilities. The first one, is the family relationship, which seems to fall short of the understood responsibilities. Jane is very uncared for, and leaves this relationship. It seems to me that women did not have the same responsibilities as men, and that is very understood; the women worked for men. This is an important and dislikable relationship. The times itself had a big role in the authors inspiration while writing, or so I think. They were much more sexist than times are now, and this is cause for a rough life as a female. If these times had been different, Jane’s life would have been different, causing the entire story to be different! Golly gee, that would be a bummer. If things had been different “Jane Eyre” could have been a boring classic just like so many others. Thank goodness it wasn’t.

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

Jane Eyre, characteristics (Question 7)

Jane Eyre is an exciting novel containing the story of a tragic young girl’s amazing twist of fate. It is interesting, real, and different. It is those characteristics that make a reader want to continue reading any book, especially a classic. Unfortunately, to many high school students, hearing a book being classified as a “classic” is an instant turn off. Fortunately, Jane Eyre seemed to be an exception. I actually found it to be quite interesting. I felt like it was a relatable and “real” story. This quality is what separates Jane Eyre from many other classics. This is also how Charlotte Bronte draws in her readers. In my opinion, she did a very good job of that in this novel. The entire novel seemed to be filled with a type of symbolism undertone. All along, we are reading about her life, which symbolizes change. As we watch Jane grow and become a better, stronger person, we realize that that could be us. We could also symbolize change, and be an example for others. This was also nice to me. I really enjoyed the topics and ideas brought up throughout the entire novel.

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

Jane Eyre, Still read? (Question 6)

Jane Eyre is a timeless classic. It could draw in any reader, and actually tells a good story. It’s historical, interesting and timeless. These are just a few of the reasons that I believe that this book is still read today. The book not only tells an awesome story while being interesting, but it has a very relatable theme. It is almost inspirational reading about Jane’s life. I find the novel to be extremely timeless because anyone of any time period could relate to Jane’s story. She had such drive and independence (Bronte 75) that anyone could learn a little bit, and that brings us forward. Throughout the entire novel, we could just continue to learn more and more if you choose to. If you are planning on reading Jane Eyre you must go into it with a positive and open mind. If you do this, the learning could be endless. Not only can you learn from the theme, you can also learn from Jane’s actions. She is a wonderful woman who anyone could model certain parts of their lives after. I really enjoyed reading this novel. :D

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

Jane Eyre, significance (Question 5)

Because of the time in which the book Jane Eyre was written, as a reader, you notice some differences in social and political situations. It seems to me that the novel is very accurate when talking about social issues of the period. The whole idea of an orphaned girl growing up independently and wonderfully seemed pretty accurate, and not all that farfetched. Jane’s life is described as a difficult and harsh, though she makes it out very ahead. The way she does it is much different than how it would be done today, though. She goes to a school specifically for orphaned children, and today, that is not very common, though for the time period, that seems accurate. Nothing seems to be out of place for the time period, and I liked the realism.

The significance of the novel really seemed to fall back onto the theme. The whole idea of setting your mind to a great life and making it for yourself was very deep. Reading the story of a girl’s life seemed so real, and that was also significant. The realism was just as important as the theme itself, in my opinion.

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

Jane Eyre! Hero, (Question 4)

To me, it seems obvious that the hero in Jane Eyre is in fact, Jane Eyre herself. She is intelligent, humble, independent and deserving. She leads a life in a kinder way than many people could even imagine doing so. Throughout the novel, she manages to go from absolutely nothing, to marrying the man she loves with all of her heart, and creating a great life for her. She seems at first simply like a poor orphaned girl. She is confused, hurt and lost, as I can only imagine I would be in that situation. Though she feels all of these things, that does not stop her from pursuing her life forward. She does many heroic things throughout the novel that inly a strong independent woman could do. One of these includes walking away from the love of her life, but finding the will to come back. She is continually moving forward in her life and seems to be a very respectable lady. I definitely found her to be the strongest character in many ways.

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

Jane Eyre! Universal Themes (Question 3)

Jane Eyre is a novel that can relate to anyone, though I feel as though it may be more relatable for independent people. I felt like one of the biggest things that Charlotte Bronte wanted to get across was that you can be self-sufficient and make a life for yourself. There are many people that may just need a little reminder of how they can be awesome on their own. Watching Jane make something out of her life was very encouraging as a reader, and I think anyone could relate. It seems as though the author really understands the troubles that some children, as well as adults, went, and still go through. It also seems like she herself could easily relate to many of the events in her story.

As the story grows, we watch the character of Jane grow. We learn exactly who she is supposed to be, and what Charlotte wants us to see in her. Being able to write a character as dominant as Jane takes a lot of observation of the human race, and it is obvious that Charlotte really understood human nature. We can tell this with how strongly and interestingly she wrote the character of Jane.

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

Jane Eyre! Causes, Gains, Losses (Question 2)

Throughout the novel, Jane Eyre, we watch a young girl grow into a strong, independent woman. When we are first introduced to Jane, she is a young girl who has been orphaned and sent to live with her aunt. She seems to of lost everything. Even with the fact that she has lost something so incredibly dear to her, her family, the extended family she goes to live with, only hurts her more. She is tormented and made fun of by not only her cousins, but the help as well. Jane’s pretty much stinks. Then, her aunt sends her to a boarding school for orphaned girls, which seems like it would be bad, but this is where she begins to have some gains in her life. While there, she meets a good friend and helpful teacher. It really helps get her through some tough times. She finds a job working for a kind man named, Mr. Rochester. Things seem to be going great; she even falls in love with him! She seems to be gaining and gaining, and has certainly made a great life for herself, considering the time period. Then comes the next loss; MR. ROCHESTER IS MARRIED (Bronte 379). This hurts Jane deeply, and she leaves. Luckily, she realizes his love for her, and the eventually get together and marry. All in all, Jane seemed to make an awesome life for herself. She’s strong, intelligent, and independent. Go her!

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, question 8

Getting back to The Picture of Dorian Gray, we see how it was written many years ago. This being so, it leads me to wonder how accurate the topics and characters actions may be. We aren’t introduced to very many different classes, though there are many personalities all throughout the novel. We are first introduced to Basil, a painter, and Lord Henry (Wilde 7). We meet Lord Henry as the stereotypical high class proud man. Though he seems proud, he never seems to act “too good” for Basil, in fact, they consider themselves good friends. Unfortunately, we watch as this change’s. It is obvious that the author wants us to see the influence that Lord Henry has on Dorian Gray. We watch Henry and Basil’s relationship change and Henry and Dorian’s grow. Lord Henry almost has the “responsibility” or guiding Dorian’s life. He is given such a strongly influenced role in the story that it almost seems like his duty. I think the thought of beauty and greed is what influenced Lord Henry to persuade Dorian. Just as it could easily happen today, it was beauty and popularity that sent Dorian on his downward spiral.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

Jane Eyre! Values?

Seeing to the fact that I am a procrastinator, Jane Eyre is very fresh in my mind. Jane Eyre was published in 1847, but back then, books that were written by women did not get the same publicity and interest that men’s books did, so it was written under a pen name. Bronte must have been a very intelligent and strong-willed woman, as well as independent to make the character of Jane. One of the most important characteristics of Jane is that she does what she believe is right, not what others tell her to do or are doing (Bronte 372). This value may have come from Charlotte Bronte, herself. Charlotte obviously has a very strong attitude regarding women when writing this book. She writes Jane as a very strong and independent character. I’m guessing that those were characteristics that she believed that most women should have all shared. This novel was written in a first person perspective, meaning that Jane was telling the story. You know that the novel took place sometime in the past because of how Jane is telling the story as well as how it is written, but you don’t know when exactly when until you reach the very end of the book. The book is written in a perspective of ten years later.

Brontë, Charlotte, Fritz Eichenberg, and Bruce Rogers. Jane Eyre. New York: Random House, 1943. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Universal themes.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a wonderful novel full of ideas that anyone could learn from. The topics brought up in the book are those that are relatable to anyone anywhere. One of the biggest themes and lessons I learned from this novel was to be careful with what you love. Dorian is, in a sense, in love with himself. He becomes overly obsessed, and loses everything. Every person in our world must be careful to not get caught up in the things in their lives. This novel was a perfect example of how greed can ruin one’s life. It is obvious that Wilde understands the want of beauty in society. It is something that dates back for a very long time. No matter the time period, beauty has always been a valued quality, and Wilde saw that. The fact that he was able to see how valuable beauty is, is what made the novel so interesting and entertaining. Certain qualities of life will always be more valued than others, and figuring out that you have those qualities may not always be a blessing. Sometimes, you must be careful what you wish for.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Question 7

I had a deep interest in the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wilde does a very good job of keeping a reader interested in what he’s writing. He is very descriptive in his writing, as well as relatable. There is also a suspense aspect to his writing. Though there aren’t many “cliff hangers” there is a certain part of the reader that is always left wondering (in a good way, of course). All of these qualities together make for a deadly afternoon of nonstop reading! I really enjoyed the mystery in wondering what was going to happen next, yet I liked being able to try and guess what I predicted would happen. Many novels seem to just drone on and on, but I felt like a new idea or topic was brought up the right amount of times. There was not one small idea that continued on much too long as there is in some novels. The way I was pulled into the novel encourages me to look into some other classics by Wilde. If all his novels are as interesting, mysterious, and exciting at this one was, I would definitely be interested in reading another one. It was very well written.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Heeerrroooo?

Throughout the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, you soon realize that the main character, Dorian, is by no means a hero. As you read deeper, you begin to ask yourself, who or what is the actual hero? As I sat and thought, I began wondering if the hero was actually a person. I decided that it was not. The actual hero, to me, was the truth that always hid inside Dorian. It was the truth that led him to begin his life as a young humble man. The antagonistic force of evil brought on by Lord Henry’s words early in the novel (Wilde 52). Throughout the novel, we can only sit and read as we watch Dorian fall farther and farther, until he reaches the very end of his rope, and the truth hits him. As Dorian finally realizes that he is so disappointed in who he has become, he is hit with the truth, so it seems. In Dorian rage we read that he rips the picture that was painted for him at the beginning of the novel (Wilde 21). We find that this kills Dorian himself. The truth finally takes over, and ends the rage of Dorian Gray.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Feelings.

In the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, the author seems to have some pretty strong thoughts and feelings. The entire book is based off of someone’s appearances. To write an entire novel depicting from one idea, the author must have some strong feelings toward that idea. He seems to be writing from the perspective of a watcher or viewer. Wilde seems to see an outward appearance as a wonderful thing for some people, and not so great for others. He also knows how the self-love of oneself can ruin not only their own life, but the lives of the people around you. Throughout the novel, Dorian manages to completely ruin his life (Wilde 107) ending in death. This is all caused by the simple fact that Dorian Gray loved himself. This novel leads me to wonder if Wilde had a personal experience with this “appearance” issue. He seems to be very interested as well as opinionated toward it. This, in my opinion, made for a much better and more interesting novel. Who wants to read a novel with an uninterested author that wrote it? Not me, that’s for sure. The emotional connection Wilde seemed to have really helped me stay interested.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

Causes, Gains, and Loses: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Throughout the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, the main character, Dorian, goes from being on top of the world as a humble young man, to dying in vain as an old hideous witch. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Basil, an aspiring artist, and his friend Lord Henry. Dorian is originally introduced as the muse of Basil (Wilde, 25). Unfortunately, when Lord Henry gets his hands on Dorian, Dorian changes who he is entirely. He loses the humbleness he once had, and finds himself in a downwards spiral. Throughout the book, our main character, Dorian Gray, loses himself more and more with each chapter. Unfortunately, there is not much that Dorian gains through the novel besides a new personality. Dorian not only loses friends, he is the sole reason they are gone. He personally kills Basil, as well as causes a lover to commit suicide. This book definitely was full of loss. Unfortunately, it was all over the stupidity that comes with becoming obsessed with one’s own looks. The main cause of all of the problems in the book seemed to be Lord Henry. He was the one who got Dorian obsessed with his looks (Wilde 28), and that is where things went downhill.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, historical relevance.

In the time period in which this book was written, it seems to me that the social class of someone was very important. In, The Picture of Dorian Gray, many of the characters are of a higher class. You hear many terms such as “Lord”, “Lady”, and “Sir” all throughout the book. When you read in history books, this also seems to be true. Things did not seem to be quite as fair back then as they are now.

I find this novels significance in its simple timelessness. Though it seemed like a pleasure novel, you learn something new with everything you read. As far as I could tell, and I’m not much of a history person, the book was accurately written. The dialogue and scenes seem as though they would fit in in the time period in which it was written. Certain social issues are also addressed. It seems to me, that appearance was very important to some people, such as Dorian Gray (obviously). I am not sure if appearances were quite that important back then, but they definitely were in this book. The Picture of Dorian Gray was not only enjoyable, but it was educational as well. I really enjoyed it.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, still read?

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a book I would definitely consider a classic. It is a book that I could see myself “rereading” in the future. It is full of insightful ideas and timeless thoughts. In the book, a man gets lost in his own beauty. He does not realize his beauty at first, but once a bad influence is brought into his life, that is when Dorian turns (Wilde 28). Dorian getting caught up in his appearance is something that our society can relate to in a present and recent day. Looks are something many people fixate themselves on. People will become very caught up in their looks, themselves. Our society has a problem with worrying much too much on how they look, as well as other people. Teenagers and anyone older judge and are judged by their looks. I think this is a big reason that this book is still read today. It is about something our society can relate to, which makes it a popular classic. This is also a reason for current schools to choose this book. It speaks of things that are easily relatable. I believe that this book is still read because of its relatable themes and ideas.

Wilde, Oscar. Picture of Dorian Gray. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 2007. Print.

Organization, "Why Read the Classics?"

“Why Read the Classics” has an interesting form of organization. The author, Calvino, organizes each topic the same way. He chose to introduce each topic with a definition. After the definition is given, he describes each definition very thoroughly in the following paragraphs. Each definition is different, though they are all about what he considers a “classic” work of literature (Calvino 5). After he gives the definition, the paragraphs he uses to describe the definition are stuffed full of information, details, and facts that have to do with what the definition was. I am a fan of the organization used in “Why Read the Classics”. The way it was organized was a big part of the fact that I enjoyed the essay. The way the essay was organized and written is a good way to catch and keep the writers attention. There are so many ways that an essay or other work of literature could be written, but the way “Why Read the Classics?” was written was perfect for the purpose of the essay. I find the organization similar to “Good Readers and Good Writers” in the sense that each new topic was introduced with a statement. The organization worked well with both essays.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Rhetorical Devices "Why Read the Classics?"

Rhetorical devices can help “spice up” a paper. They help keep things interesting, as well as helping change things up. One device that I have noticed a lot in all literature including “Why Read the Classics?” is the use of hendiadys. A hendiadys is the use of two words that are connected by a conjunction rather than subordinating them together. The very end of the essay reaches a paraprosdokian. A paraprosdokian is an unexpected ending. Though I liked how the essay ended, I was not expecting it to end exactly how it did. Another rhetorical device is tautology. This is the repetition of an idea or topic using different words or phrases. The whole essay is based around this device (Calvino 5-8). Throughout the whole essay, Calvino articulates the same idea using different definitions. I also found some places where Calvino used cacophony. Cacophony is the joining of harsh sounds. I found it used more in the form of using words that begin with harsh consonants one after another. This caught my attention, and helped me keep reading. Rhetorical devices are cleverly used in every piece of literature, and I only mentioned a few that were used in “Why Read the Classics?”.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

"Why Read the Classics" Authority

Calvino seems to have great authority as an author, especially in the essay “Why read the Classics?”. He is able to easily take charge. It is also obvious that he knows what he is talking about in the essay. I know that I have heard his name before, and that is saying something. I have not read too many classics, so being able to say that I have heard of Calvino means something. Throughout the essay, you can tell that Calvino is an educated man by his writing style. He is very smart and knows how to catch a reader’s attention. In my opinion, just knowing how to make people want to read your works, gives you all right you need to continue writing more works of literature. As a writer, there are specific skills you must have to be a good and interesting author, and Calvino seems to have those qualities. He is smart, interesting, and attention grabbing. These qualities give him great authority as a writer. They also make his works interesting, which makes more people want to read his works. With that, we are back to the fact that he had the authority to write whatever he wants. As long as people are reading, keep on writing.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

"Why Read the Classics" Intro& Concluding

From the very beginning of the essay, “Why Read the Classics?” the author gives us definitions of what a “classic” is. He introduces every new idea with a new definition. This adds a certain type of interest by the reader. Each new definition comes with a new explanation. The very first definition Calvino gives is, “The classics are those books about which you usually hear people saying: ‘I’m rereading…’, never ‘I’m reading…’ “(Calvino 5). I found this very interesting, because that is something Nabokov also said in his essay “Good Readers and Good Writers”. This is also a good way to introduce the essay because it introduces the basis of the essay. The end of the essay is reached by quoting another book, and I really like the choice of quote. The very last thing said was, “At least I will learn this melody before I die.” (Calvino 8). This can easily be compared to literature. If there is a classic you read, you can always know you have done something in your life. I really enjoyed most of everything about this essay. I liked how each new topic was introduced, as well as how each was concluded. It was very nicely written.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Reaction, "Why Read the Classics?"

“Why Read the Classics” was a very well written essay. I really enjoyed it, and I think many others would as well. The essay was well written, and it kept my attention. In return, I had a very good and positive reaction. As I was reading, I found myself somewhat becoming “lost” so to speak, in the essay. I had an educational experience as well as a virtuous experience. There were very few times in which I no longer wanted to finish the essay, and I was always interested while reading. I was also a bit surprised at the fact that I was enjoying the essay. Unfortunately, I had fallen victim to what Nabokov says specifically not to do in his essay, “Good Readers and Good Writers”. I arrived with a preconceived determination that I was going to dread the essay I was about to dive into reading (Nabokov 1). Luckily, I was very wrong. I enjoy the fact that I can learn something new with every piece of literature I read. Every piece of reading material is a new adventure, and a new experience. I really think I will enjoy challenging myself, and this was a good way to set that wheel in motion.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. "Good Readers and Good Wrtiters."Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

“Why Read the Classics?” Arousing a Reaction

There were many things I liked about the way this essay was written. I really liked how the author took time to thoroughly describe each topic he brought up. Calvino would give what he described as a “definition” for a classic; he would then proceed to explain exactly what that meant. I also really liked how explanatory he was, as well as detail oriented. I feel like “Why Read the Classics?” was written similarly to “Good Readers and Good Writers” in the fact that they were both very descriptive, as well as the way they were written. Both essays began each topic with a statement, followed by a good description of that topic. I really enjoy this writing style. I think that the detail and time given in this writing style is what draws my attention, as well as “arouses a reaction”. One of my personal favorite statements in the essay “Why Read the Classics?” is the one about literature forming the future of youths, because I find this to be very true. When you read something, it sticks in your mind whether you realize it or not. Because of this, you may subconsciously remember a situation in a book that is similar to one you may be in. I believe I enjoyed the essay “Why Read the Classics” a bit more than “Good Readers and Good Writers”.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

"Why Read the Classics" Tone

Italo Calvino has a very interesting tone in the essay, "Why Read the Classics?". Throughout the essay, Calvino has a very kind, and easy tone. He writes in a very understanding way and it really helped me understand what he was trying to say and read in the essay. Calvino uses words and phrasing that help give a very light tone to the essay. The way he generously explains and gives good details is what makes me feel like he really wants people to enjoy his works. The way he writes and describes exactly what he's thinking gives off the kind tone. Calvino never uses words or thoughts that could make someone feel inferior or uneducated, which is very inviting to many people.

As a reader, I have never been interested in novels or articles that are written with an "I'm better" attitude. If an author writes as though he or she is smarter or better than the reader, people will lose interest very quickly. The way Calvino will start his topic with a statement on a classic and then describe it, shows that he does not think he is better than anyone reading it. I really respected and enjoyed the tone of "Why Read the Classics?".

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Thesis, "Why Read the Classics"

A thesis is a strong statement used to catch a readers' attention. It is usually at the beginning of a work of literature, and can be written in many different ways. I believe the thesis in "Why Read the Classics" by Italo Calvino is the statement in the fourth paragraph in which he says, "Put your hand up anyone who has read the whole of Herodotus ad Thucydides." (Calvino 1). This will instantly catch the attention of anyone who has read that, as well as people who may be interested in it. It also could intrigue a reader of similar classics. That statement opens up the entire idea of the essay.

It is very interesting when the author becomes interactive with the readers, it also makes any reader willing to continue on with reading the essay. A strong thesis is very important to the success of the essay. With a thesis like this one, it is obvious that the essay has done very well in its time. I respect an author who knows how to catch the attention of such a broad range of readers. I really enjoyed this essay, as well as, the way it was written and introduced. I approve.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Notes, "Why Read the Classics?"

Important stuffs.

Reading a novel for the first time as an adult is a great pleasure. p.4 par.2

by the middle of page 4, we learn that the author thinks one needs time to grow into the maturity it takes to fully understand and appreciate a classic novel.

Reading in our youth can give form and shape to our futures. It gives us ideas on how to handle future situations and life experiences. Reading as a youth can also prove to be less than beneficial, because, a young mind cannot always comprehend the words in which it may be reading.

"A classic is a book which even when we read it for the first time gives the sense of rereading something we have read before." p.5 par. 4

I really think that as the essay goes on, I am going to continue liking it more and more. The more I read, the more I like the way Calvino writes. I enjoy the thoughts and ideas that are portrayed in “Why Read the Classics?”. New ideas and thoughts are opened up all throughout the essay. I am really enjoying the essay so far, and I am off to continue reading, right about now.

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.

Rhetorical Devices, "Good Readers and Good Writers"

Rhetorical devices are terms used to characterize the way literature is written. Some common rhetorical devices would be hyperbole, onomatopoeia, or irony. This essay was very cleverly written, and used some rhetorical devices. One device I noticed more than once was the use of heniadys. Hendaidys are the use of two words that are connected a conjunction rather than subordinating one to the other. This helps express a single idea. Another rhetorical device that i believe is used would be tautology. Tautology is the repetition of an idea in which you use different words or phases in the repetition. Nabokov continually draws everything back to the original idea, using tautology to help (Nabokov 2). I also believe slight versions of paraprosdkian were used. This is a surprise ending to a series of thoughts. Now, I would not say there were many "surprises" but there were times when I expected him to continue on with the topic.

Many different rhetorical devices were used, but that is just three. Each work of literature uses different devices to get the point, whatever it may be, across. Rhetorical devices give writers a way to change up their common way of writing; they help make writing more interesting.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. "Good Readers and Good Wrtiters."Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

Introducing-ing-ing "Good Reader and Good Writers"

Nabokov begins the essay "Good Readers and Good Writers" with an introduction stating other themes or titles for the essay. He also briefly describes his "journey", meaning the things he has learned of in the topic in which he is about to tell us about. He states, "My course, among other things, is a kind of deductive investigation of the mystery of literary structures." (Nabokov 1).This is where he first introduces to us the ideas and topics in which he will be speaking of in the following essay. He then follows by stating that some good subtitles could include, "How to be a Good Reader" or, "Kindness to Authors"(Nabokov 1). These are very good starting points because that is exactly what he is preparing us to be taught about. Nabokov has a very informative method in his writing, and I find it intriguing.

Nabokov begins to characterize the conclusion by summing up the topics he has spoken about. He finally comes to a finish with the statement, "Then with a pleasure which is

both sensual and intellectual we shall watch the artist build his castle of cards and watch the

castle of cards become a castle of beautiful steel and glass."(Nabokov 4) This means that it is now time for us to be able to watch literature transform before our eyes, as well as poetry or other works we may be writing ourselves.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. "Good Readers and Good Wrtiters."Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

"Good Readers and Good Writers" Authority

As a writer, Nabokov has great authority. He is more than qualified to be writing and speaking about the topics he writes about, let alone the essay, "Good Readers and Good Writers". Nabokov has many different works of literature that over qualify him to be writing the essay "Good Readers and Good Writers", as well as the book it came from, Lectures on Literature. Knowing the authority Nabokov has as a writer makes me more than willing to listen to what he is writing about. It also encourages me to and attempt to do the things he writes about in his many works. He has the skills and experience that many people can only begin to dream of having under their belt. These skills , on top of the experience and other works he's done, are what give him the authority to write and explain topics like he did in "Good Readers and Good Writers".

Authority is something everyone dreams of having, luckily, Nabokov knows how to use his in the correct ways. Many people may spend their entire lives searching, and working toward the experience and authority the Nabokov had. It is very impressive to me, and very admirable.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

Organization, "Good Readers and Good Writers"

I personally am a fan of the way in which Nabokov wrote and organized this essay. In the beginning it is organized in simple paragraphs to inform, but as you keep reading, you enter into a question and answer organization. He starts the next idea with a question, such as, "So what is the authentic instrument to be used by the reader?", or "Can we expect to glean information about places and times from a novel?". The then proceeds to answer the question in the following paragraph or two. I like this because it allows me to take a minute and think about what I am about to read. This also helps keep my interest and attention. If Nabokov had simply just started writing in a simple organization such a cause and effect, or chronological order of when he learned these things, I would have lost interest very quickly. If I cannot focus and stay at least slightly interested, I will never finish whatever it is I am trying to read. For the type of reading this was, I am glad it was organized as it was. So long as he writes in the same style, I would be interested in looking into some of his other work in the future.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

"Good Readers and Good Writers" Reaction,

I feel as though I had a mostly positive and thoughtful response to this essay. Though this essay was not my favorite thing to read, I do believe I got something out of it. It gave me a better understanding of what I need to be working on while reading, as well as the things I should be looking for and working on as a writer. The essay was full of good advice that I will be able to use many a time in life. Our world is filled with literature, no matter where you go. It doesn't matter how much our society becomes dependent on technology, because there will still be reading and writing involved. The statement, "Nothing is more boring or more unfair to the

author than starting to read, say, Madame Bovary, with the preconceived notion that it is a denunciation of the bourgeoisie." (Nabokov 1). is probably one of my favorite statements in the entire essay because of the truth it holds. Everyone has been held victim of this. There is not a person who has never looked at the cover of a book, a magazine, or news article and formed an opinion of the story before even reading the first sentence.

Because of the slight lack of interest (just being honest) I had in this essay, I think the fact that I was able to come out of this with a positive reaction is completely logical. Certain parts of the essay gave me an emotional response, but over all, my reaction was logical.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

Noteypoo's. Good Readers and Good Writers.

"Good Readers and Good Writers" (Vladimir Nabokov) is an essay that is written about the qualities it takes to be a good writer, as well as, a good reader. It seemed to drag a bit to me in some parts, though the idea's and basis of the essay was interesting. I really liked how we got to a question/ answer organization or set up. This helped keep me interested in the points where I may have wanted to move on to something else. I have read many different styles of literature, but this was something new for me. Nabokov seems like he would haves some very insightful writings, and if they were organized and written similarly to this one, I would be very interested in reading more of his stuff. As I was reading, I realized that Nabokov seems to be a very opinionated man. He tells things how he sees them, and I really admire that in his work. I liked how I could tell exactly what he was thinking while he was writing. I think I may have grown bored at times simply because it was not the type of writing I am used to reading. I am more interested in thrilling, fictional action pieces, but this was a nice break for me.

Catching my attention, Good Readers and Good Writers.

Throughout this essay, many things caught my attention and were enjoyable to me. The first thing I really liked about the essay was the way he made simple suggestions, such as needing to "notice and fondle details". Another idea I enjoyed while reading the essay was the way he wrote in questions. Nabokov would start his newest idea by asking a question. He would then proceed to answer the question in the following paragraph. This was intriguing to me.
More specifically, I enjoyed specific passages more than others. I found the paragraph that Nabokov wrote about only being able to "reread" interesting. He compares reading with viewing a piece of art, though reading a book takes time. It takes energy, repetition, and the mind (Nabokov 1-2). He says that mind is the sole most important element in reading. I also like how he made reference the other works, such as the boy crying wolf. That re-caught my attention. This helped me refocus and catch my interest. This moves into the final passage I found strongly interesting. That passage is the one in which he speaks of the three points of view that must be considered. The whole essay had highlights and low lights, the above mentioned were the highlights for me.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. "Good Readers and Good Wrtiters."Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

Thesis- "Good Readers and Good Writers"

A thesis, to some, may be considered one of the most important sentences or ideas in the entire work. As in this essay, it may come at the beginning of the writing. In "Good Readers and Good Writers" the statement that caught my attention was, "In reading, one should notice and fondle details." (Nabokov 1). This prepared me for the rest of the essay. This is also very important to the content of the essay. All throughout, Nabokov talks about the things you need to be a good reader and writer. Detail is very important. I believe that statement was placed at the beginning of the essay to let the readers of his own work quickly learn what it was that they were going to be reading about, in more detail than which the title gives. As the thesis, it also catches my attention, as it should any reader. It was a strong statement that encouraged me to continue on with my reading. This thesis is also a good "opener". In other words, it opens the mind to many different possible topics. I think it is very clever, attention drawing, and attention keeping. I give my applause to him.

Nabokov, Vladimir Vladimirovich, and Fredson Bowers. Lectures on Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980. Print.

Good Readers and Good Writers, Tone?

In my opinion, the authors tone changes throughout the essay. In the beginning, he starts out with a defensive tone. He is describing how you cannot go into a book with a predetermined idea of what you are going to feel while reading. He is defending the authors of the world. He also explains how you need to have an open mind. His tone changes to a more informative and less defensive tone. He begins explaining what you need to understand when reading or writing. Also, he describes qualities needed for proper understanding of a story. He describes these qualities in ways that require you to think while you read. He asks you to choose from a list of ten qualities, and decide which you should acquire before attempting a new story. As we come to the end, we reach a more understanding and explanatory tone. He writes in a question then answer form, which makes me feel like he really wanted the readers to understand the point he was trying to get across. He no longer seems to be overly defensive, but also still informative at the same time as being explanatory. The tone he gives off through the entire essay kept me wanting to finish.