Calvino- Thesis

Question #1

Italo Calvino, an influential Italian journalist of the 1900s, wrote a striking piece titled, “Why We Read the Classics.” Although the title suggests a dramatic revelation on the topic, the piece spends more time on definitions than anything else. Instead of lecturing readers about why they should spend more of their precious time reading classic literature, Calvino defines the word “classic.” By providing fourteen different attributes, or definitions, Calvino leaves readers to analyze his wealth of information and decide for themselves why they should read classic literature.

                The thesis, like so much of the essay, is implicitly stated. Interwoven throughout the many definitions, reasons, and examples is a simple statement about classic literature. It cannot be defined with mere words or even mere essays. Classics are defined by what they mean to us. Calvino comes closest to stating his thesis while speaking of our home libraries. He states, “[Our library] should consist of books we have read that meant something to us.” This simple truth is the underlying message in “Why We Read the Classics.” As Calvino so perfectly says, “It is no use reading classics out of a sense of duty or respect; we should only read them for love.”

Calvino, Italo. "Why Read the Classics." Lecture.