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.