Calvino's "Why Read the Classics?" Tone

For this blog, I am going to write about Italo Calvino's tone in his essay called, "Why Read the Classics?" I would say the tone is informative and very straightforward. He also uses a little of persuasion and encouragement. What I mean by straightforward is that instead of having an introduction for his topic, he just comes right out and says, "Let us begin by putting forward some definitions." (Calvino 3) After he said this statement, Calvino goes right into explaining the meaning of classics and all about classic literature. I believe that is a very effective way of writing an essay because it makes the readers think. Instead of just reading the essay, we have to think about what he is saying and make us draw our own conclusions to the essay. For a small part of the essay, Calvino persuades and encourages us to read and to enjoy it. He told us on page nine that we should "invent our own ideal library" and remember the books that meant something to us and keep reading so you can add to your collection. Most essays people write, they use third person, but Italo Calvino used first and third person throughout the whole essay. He mainly uses the pronouns: I, we, he, she, and it.

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