Nabokov- Introduction/Conclusion

Question #6

The introduction of Nabokov’s essay, “Good Readers and Good Writers” is a paragraph that in many ways is not very different from the rest of the essay. What sets it apart is the way that it sets the tone for the rest of the essay while still providing good information. By starting with the blanket statement that one should notice details while reading, Nabokov obtains the readers’ agreement and approval. He draws a nice metaphor by comparing a work of literature to a painting. In a few short sentences, however, he turns the tables. First, he asks a series of questions of the reader. Then, barely giving the reader time to think, he bluntly answers every question with a resounding “no.” By obtaining the readers’ agreement before challenging their views, Nabokov captures his audience with just an introductory paragraph.

The conclusion takes a very different route. Instead of challenging the readers’ views, it simply makes its own concluding statements. First of all, it relates back to the comparison of literature and art that was made in the introduction. Nabokov calls it an “artistic quiver.” He describes the perfect novel as a balance between logic and art, and the perfect reader to be very much the same. The conclusion makes the readers feel good, while giving them something to think about the next time they read or write.

Nabokov, Vladimir. "Good Readers and Good Writers." Lecture