Argumentative Response to Good Readers and Good Writers

Argumentative Response to Good Readers and Good Writers

Delivered as a lecture to an undergraduate class at Cornell University, Vladimir Nabokov examines the various qualities that good readers and writers should posses. At its core, this piece serves almost as a how-to guide in being both an active reader and a writer with limitless creativity. In depth, the Nabokov’s lecture seemingly bridges the gap between an exceptional reader and an enchanting writer. Within this lecture turned publication, Nabokov uses a slew of effective analogies, minute literary devices, and alludes to many famous pieces of literature throughout recent centuries. Of the particular topics mentioned in this piece, there is one that runs throughout. “In reading, one should notice and fondle details”(Nabokov 1032). Nabokov continually stresses the importance of analyzing even the tiniest of details in order to evolve as both a conscious reader and writer. In concurrence with Nabokov, by actually dissecting every detail within a piece a literature, you are remaining fair and just to the author, showing appreciation for art, and being challenged to examine the depth of the text.

Overall, the majority of writers produce work in order for an audience to absorb a message they are attempting to convey. By skimming over literature and bypassing critical details you are not receiving the intended message in it. Ultimately this is an equally unfair and unjust reception to a body of work. Within Good Readers and Good Writers, there is evident air of distaste for a reader who doesn’t respect an author enough to read his work in its entirety. Especially if this is due to generalizations. “Nothing is more boring or more unfair to the author than starting to read with a preconceived notion”(Nabokov 1032). Many would agree, by stepping to a piece of writing with ideas already formulated, you leave little room to expand up upon. It is extremely