Italo Calvino writes his essay in a very informative and straightforward way, using definitions to show the qualities of a classic novel. Although the use of definitions in an essay is often avoided because they are often overused and can make the essay sound dull, they actually have a positive effect on this piece. This is because these definitions were not provided by a dictionary, but instead they came from an avid reader who has personal experience in what a classic is. I also think it was wise of him not to just use one definition because there is no possible way he could have told readers everything he told them about what a classic is in just one definition.
He also writes with almost no metaphors or extremely detailed descriptions, but still there is an emotional appeal to this essay. This is why my reaction to Calvino’s essay was more emotional than logical. Calvino shows his appreciation for the emotional response a classic novel often provokes many times throughout this essay. For example he tells us there is no use reading a classic novel for any other reason except “for love.” He also says that a classic is a novel “to which you cannot remain indifferent.” When Calvino discusses what he calls “your classic”, readers cannot help but feel some sort of emotional response, at least those who have already found their personal classic. However if a reader has not had the experience of finding a novel that they can call their classic, he or she will not find this emotional appeal in this essay.
Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics?" Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. 5-8. Print.
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