Against Smoothness

The transcript discusses the reception of Levis's prose, highlighting its complexity and the criticism it received for being difficult to parse. Levis's writing style is characterized by a deliberate avoidance of cliches and simplification, aiming to engage readers in a more thoughtful and critical manner. His sentence structure is often complex, requiring readers to actively engage with the text. The importance of literature in cultivating better reading and thinking skills is emphasized, advocating for exposure to good writing over simplistic media.

What was one of the main criticisms of Levis's writing style?

• It was too simplistic.

• It was too convoluted.

• It lacked depth.

• It was too brief.

Why did Levis intentionally make his prose complex?

• To increase the length of his writings.

• To make it more entertaining.

• To engage readers in critical thinking.

• To confuse the readers.

How does Levis's writing style affect the reader?

• It requires active engagement and thought.

• It simplifies complex ideas.

• It makes reading faster.

• It encourages passive reading.

What does Levis suggest as a way to improve reading and thinking skills?

• Reading good literature.

• Reading newspapers.

• Watching documentaries.

• Listening to speeches.

According to Levis, what is the benefit of engaging with complex prose?

• It reduces the need for critical thinking.

• It speeds up the reading process.

• It helps avoid clichés and oversimplifications.

• It makes reading more enjoyable.