Calvino's "Why Read the Classics?" Methods

Italo Calvino's essay, "Why Read the Classics?" does not have an introduction paragraph. Instead it has one sentence that gets straight to the point. It says, "Let us begin by putting forward some definitions." (Calvino 3) This introduction sets the scene for the rest of the essay, even though it is only one sentence. After the intro, it goes right into the fourteen different definitions of "classics" which are all different meanings. The definitions allow for one or two paragraphs of explanation. The essay stays in the layout of one definition with one or two paragraphs to follow until the conclusion. Calvino works his way up to his conclusion by saying that he should rewrite his essay three times. "After that I should really rewrite it a third time, so that people do not believe that the classics must be read because they serve some purpose." (Calvino 9) The paragraph following this statement is the conclusion. In the conclusion he talks about citing an Italian author named Emil Cioran. His book isn't considered a classic yet but could be one day. He quotes Cioran to finish off his essay. He says, "'While the hemlock was being prepared, Socrates was learning a melody on the flute. "What use will that be to you?", he asked. "At least I will learn this melody before I die."' I always like when books and essay are ended with a quote from something.

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