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.
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