The Timelessness of Literature

Since the beginnings of society, there have been storytellers. Through these people, their words, and their stories, we have been given a heritage of thought. These stories have provided a basis of thought and action for society, by giving examples and expectations of how life should be. Among these stories and books, very few have been read and enjoyed enough to be called a classic. These few are the books that have, and will, stand the test of time and will continue to be read and taught. These are the books that contain the teachings that have remained true and relevant throughout the ages. These writings and their messages are still taught because, like Calvino’s contends, literature is timeless and ceaseless in its teachings. In present society, we do not often enough speak of how influential the past is and how much it can teach us. In “Why Read the Classics”, twentieth-century Italian writer Italo Calvino writes of the importance of reading classic literature. He defines the word “classic” in many different ways to give different reason they are important or relevant to the present day. In one of the definitions given, Calvino speaks of the influence that literature has had on society. He points out that this influence is often unrecognized largely because the teachings of literature are often understated, but powerful, “camouflaging themselves as the collective or individual unconscious” (127). Calvino makes evident the fact that although we do not often realize or give credit to literature and the past, they have provided us, among other things “schemes for classification, scales of value, [and] exemplars of beauty” (127). From these models, we base all of our everyday actions. This could be apparent by someone behaving in a way they see a hero would in times of struggle, choosing family over material things like to the storybook protagonist, or holding out for your perfect prince charming. People unconsciously try to emulate those they relate to. This idea has also been apparent in the past, when before printed word there were only stories. The stories people told were tales from the past, and poetic allegories. These types of stories told of how things were, and gave a standard of how things should be. Directly and indirectly, these messages were embedded in the minds of all who listened and altered their way of living, hopefully for the good. Having the history of these stories, has shaped who we are as a society. In the end, to speak of history at all, is to speak of the power of literature and its enduring teachings that have been passed on. A good book is one that speaks to you on different and deeper levels, with each reading. When speaking of the differences of reading a book as a child, then again as an adult, Calvino describes how different the experiences can be. He illustrates the effects of different states of mind in which someone would be reading a book. Calvino argues that when we reread a book, we will always get something different out of it because “even if the books have remained the same”, our experience will be different because “we have certainly changed, and our encounter will be an entirely new thing” (127). A younger reader who may be in a rush to finish a book as a requirement will not try to, or be able to, relate to its contents. Conversely, as an adult, and likely reading out of genuine interest, a person is expected to be more open to its deeper meanings. This person is more likely to relate to the book because of greater experience with written themes, or paralleled situations. Calvino also states that even if read in the best of conditions, a book enjoyed as a child will be appreciated differently as an adult. This is because with most young adults, the reader has yet to face very much adversity. This makes them less likely to relate to the heavier themes, but as an adult, the same person is expected to have experience some of the challenges life throws at most people. A person who has never been in love will not be able to fully understand the ache of lost love in a book, but once they have had their heartbroken, they will be able to empathize and connect with the text. With these simple changes of interest and experience someone can greatly change their resulting understanding and appreciation of reading a good book. Rereading and reading are describes as essentially same thing because your opinions and perspective are ever changing, thus will what you get out of it will be exciting and new each time. When discussing the qualities of literature, it is important to understand the difference between good and great readings. If what you are immersed in is truly great, you are likely to become a better person by association because of the affect that the teachings you read of have on you. Similarly if you are reading is truly great, you will not bore of it because it is not stagnant. Although the words may not change, the story will. Because of these reasons, I can only believe that literature is not done teaching, just as we are not done learning from it.

Word Count: 882

Citation

Italo, Calvino. "Why Read the Classics." The Uses of Literature. 125-134. Print.