As defined by Italo Calvino, with regard to literature and philosophy, the term “lightness” was not a postmodern concept. In this lecture, Calvino alters the perception of lightness by redefining it as a value rather than a defect. He argues that it is a means of gaining perspective. Lightness allows one to gain a wider perspective of their environment. Altering perspective on the things that weigh a person down can help alleviate the comfort caused by that weight. The author, however, does not discredit the importance of weight, but maintains that the chapter concentrates on lightness.
Calvino uses scientific evidence to support his claim. He highlights the abilities of the smallest aspect of life such as DNA and atom among other, the principle structures that create and support the weightiest aspects of the whole environment. Calvino points that lightness is a force that provides and sustains life. He also applies example of the shaman in describing lightness. Calvino notes the ability of the Sherman when the matters become worse for the tribe because of infection, disease, and basic problems, to attain a higher plane of consciousness so that alter the face of reality. The concepts that Calvino introduces help him in literary escapades.
Calvino has the notion that literature is a transformation of ideas while lightness is a transformative power. The literary power of literature does not solely come from mimetic power created by the artist and his inventions, but the language in the literature can assume the power of lightness. Calvino suggests that lightness is a new way of interpreting life. Quoting from other poets, for example, “One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather,” Calvino hopes to convey the right idea of lightness, which means a different thing from frivolity. He goes ahead to inform the reader that there exist two types of lightness, which include the lightness of thoughtfulness and the lightness of frivolity.
Calvino applauds lightness for its ability to allow people fly up and view things from a different perspective. He sees the light on a scale, where the other end is heavy while the other weightless. It is the lightness of language of the author that contradictorily dissolves the mass of the world into its most infinite and minute specks, as well as enlightening the reader to the knowledge that is trying to disappear. A language that the author suggests that may be losing its density, but still exists. The author encourages people t have different perspectives on life because people face many obstacles in the modern life. Calvino identifies lightness with properties such as agility of spirits, mobility, subtlety, knowledge of the world, precariousness of things as they are freedom and levitation. Equally, heaviness is linked to opacity, inertia, petrifaction, solidity, density, and crushing of life.
It is rather difficult to read a book that does not have an ending, but the death of Calvino saved him for this misery. Drawing from this letter, people should have a different perspective on life these days. Modern life is too demanding, and people need a sense of lightness to help then reduce the weight they experience in their daily endeavors. Calvino explores lightness from every context from openness to nature by genetic engineering, the openness from drugs that alter personality, to the openness to knowledge from the internet.
Good Essay About Lightness
Type of paper: Essay
Topic: Education, Environment, Life, Skills, Knowledge, World, Perspective, Literature
Pages: 2
Words: 550
Published: 03/30/2020
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