Calvino- Organization

Question #5

Italo Calvino’s essay “Why Read the Classics” is organized logically. Calvino introduces his work by stating one of the definitions of a classic. Each paragraph is devoted to a new definition of a classic work of literature. The logical organization works best for this essay because it prevents confusion. Readers can better understand the simple beauty of Calvino’s carefully worded definitions with the logical organization as opposed to a spatial or persuasive structure. By organizing his essay logically, Calvino ensures that his essay is understood correctly.

In addition to promoting better understanding, a logical organization adds meaning to the essay and allows the writer to “hammer home” his thesis. His logical list of definitions builds interest in the essay until the fourteenth definition, when he comes to a climax of sorts. He states that our classic library should mean something to us, which is much more important than any attributes that supposedly accompany a classic work of literature. All of the definitions add understanding, but do not tell us why we should read the classics. By listing each definition first, Calvino builds interest, contributes understanding, and ultimately makes the thesis much more powerful. The logical order is one of the most important parts of the essay, for it emphasizes the point that “reading the classics is always better than not reading them.”

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