Why Read the Classics- Thesis

The thesis in "Why Read the Classics?" by Italo Calvino is that people should read the classics because they want to. As Italo says on page six, "Of course this happens when it establishes a personal relationship with the reader. If there is no spark, the exercise is pointless: it is no use reading classics out of a sense of duty or respect, we should only read them for love. Except for school.." (6). Basically, Italo Calvino is saying that to read a book that you are not particularly interested in would just be a waste of time. When someone is obliged to read a book which does not capture their imagination or make them enthusiastic about what will happen causes the reader to lose their interest, become distracted and not fully understand the meaning behind the book. He goes on to say however that it is important to read the classics in school and this is to introduce students to these books so they can be able to find their own favorites when they become older (6). Calvino made his thesis implicit. Although it was clearly stated and seemed to reflect much of what he wrote, it was not found in the beginning of his introduction as they usually do.

Calvino, Italo. Why Read the Classics. New York: Vintage, 1991. Web. July-Aug. 2011.