Good Readers, Good Writers: Discussion Topic 2

In Good Readers, Good Writers, Nabokov makes some interesting points which almost are the opposite of the other essay that we had to read, Why Read the Classics? I think that his tone in this essay is more informative than emotional. In Why Read The Classics? Italo Calvino seemed to put a lot of emotion into his writing, seeming as if he was attached to what he was saying. He pointed out emotional connections to the classics, which is what Good Readers, Good Writers tells us exactly not to do. Calvino seems more interested in sharing what he thinks than informing his readers about what the classics are actually about.

Vladimir Nabokov writes Good Readers, Good Writers for a reason, to inform. His tone during this essay is relatively mild, and he is just trying to teach us how to be better readers to be better writers. He has no emotional connection, just shares what should happen to become a good reader. His writing is detached, and aloof, and I think that he does this for a reason. Nabokov tells us as readers to be detached and aloof, and I think he writes like this so that way, with this essay, we have no choice but to be detached and have no emotional connection.

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