Why Read the Classics: Discussion Topic 7

I think that Italo Calvino has much authority as a writer. He almost commands people to listen to him and hear his point of view, which I see as authority. Calvino says in the concluding paragraph that if anyone disagrees that the classics are not worth the effort, that he will tell them a passage from a not yet classic. I think that this shows that he wants people to understand and that he will almost try to make them understand.

Calvino also has authority over his own writing. He is able to put together his words and make people understand what he means very simply. I think that this shows a lot of intelligence and authority. He makes good points and his writing seems commanding. Calvino shows his points easily. He makes a number with the point, and then a paragraph to describe what he is talking about. Before this essay, I thought the classics were just old books. But, he described them as much more. Calvino uses them as lessons to look at about life. He tells us to look at these books and read the underlying message. If Italo Calvino thinks that reading the classics is important, then it must be, otherwise he wouldn't be writing about them.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics? London: Vintage, 2000. Print.