Hello everyone,
Have you heard the term "cannon" applied to books, or authors? It means a list of books which are generally accepted , or considered, to be worthy of reading for generations after they were first published, beacuse they remain relevant. They are referred to as "Literature" in inverted commas. Sometimes the definitions lead to a kind of snobbish attitude, which everyone generally tries to avoid. The qualities of works in the literary cannon are that they are stylistically interesting, they have something to say beyond the plot, they are re-read over and over.
Read the article at the link below.
Go to the link at the Harold Bloom appendix reference within the article. This has the entire list of the books Harold Bloom ( a very well known writer, academic and critic), considered should be in a literary cannon. There are many lists. Go to the Great Britain, America and Australia lists. Have you read any of the novels he lists? Have you heard of any?
Why would certain groups or people argue with the lists?
http://www.suite101.com/content/return-of-the-literary-canon-a52968
JC
I found this article to be very interesting, in relation to the literary cannon. The line about the value of learning and studying Shakespeare over a Broadway musical I found particularly interesting, both from a literature (subject) and external standpoint. As a rather theatre-oriented student, I highly appreciate the work of Shakespeare and the genius that is his plays. As a literature student, I understand the importance and value of studying Shakespeare as he presents many different issues and values which are still pertinent to what is happening in society today. I find that Shakespeare (in terms of literature) would clearly trump the study of a Broadway musical, purely because Shakespeare is a part of the literary cannon, and almost any given Broadway musical would not compare when it comes to depth, issues, values and views presented (not saying I don't love musicals, I adore them!).
ReplyDeleteFrom the Great Britain list, I recognised a great deal of the work, mostly from the work we have done in Lit, and because my curiosity tends to get the better of me a lot when I get distracted book shopping, and because of links and cross-references on various websites.
From the American section, I have heard of a few of the authors/works, scattered throughout the list. I recognised far more of the British work though.
From the Australian list, the only book I can truthfully say I have read (and didn't even realise was from Australia) is Schindler's List. I found it to be of particular interest that the list is made up of Australian "Literature", and I really hadn't heard of much of it at all.
I think some people may argue with the lists because they are compiled of really only the "classics", even though there is a lot of contemporary work around today which meets all the criteria to qualify as "cannon", yet does not make it on to the list for whatever reason. Some people might think that because most of the authors on the list are male, females are being discriminated against when it comes to the worth of their literature. Others may argue that all writing is equal in worth, and there should not be a list of "Literature" (used in a snobby manner) which undermines the value of the other literary work in the world.
Enough from me,
Ash
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, great to see the blog up and running again! I've been missing these conversations. Onto the topic at hand, I love the idea of a literary cannon, storing all of the forms of literature that still stand true for our beliefs, and that, in some way, we as the reader can relate to. I am so surprised by the number of people and literary works on this list that I hva either read, or at least heard of, not only from Great Britain but Australia and America as well. I feel as if I have grown up with many of these writers, all instilling in me my love of poetry, and my fascination in lives and cultures that no longer exist. I must admit, though, I was surprised to find that so many authors I wrongly assumed were English, were actually American! Take for example Edgar Alan Poe, and Henry David Thoreau. Two amazing and very prolific writers, along with many more, who all deserve this honourable title.
It is a shame, however, that most of the titles on this list are all classics, and very few, if any, have been written in the last ten or twenty years. I understand that they haven't yet stood the test of time, but I have read some amazing books this year that are certainly worthy of being a member of the literary cannon: for example the Time Traveller's Wife, and Stolen, and even some more modern poets such as Charles Bukowski or the ever confusing Sylvia Plath. We could include poets and writers who engage their reader through their conversational tones, and who write simply to the heart, ignoring the technichalities of their works. I know for sure I have read many books this year that I will return to in ten, twenty years time, and still find some solace and comfort in their pages.
I guess maybe that could offend people: not including current works. Or maybe it could be the assumption that song lyrics by Madonna hold the same value as an ode by Rilke (I am certainly against this one! Rilke is too amazing to be compared to Madonna). It is just that our forms of expression have altered as society has altered - lyrics in songs, texts messages etc. I find it very hard to compare them, given that I find our modern form of communication lacking a certain charm. A text message expressing one's love for another cannot be classed the same as one of Shakespeare's beautiful sonnets.
But that may just be me.
I can't wait to hear more opinions!
Sarah
i personally do like not like the fact there is literary cannons. too picky and who should have to right to chose whats considered most important to a time period of time or a place?!! What is most important is subjective to the reader.
ReplyDeletethese cannons depend on people thought to all high and mighty in Literature, literary canon seems to apply a certain validity or authority to a work of Literature. When a work is entered into the canon, it gains status as an official inclusion into a group of literary works that are widely studied and respected. BUT what about all those other books that may be equally brilliant in other people eyes, but just because influential literary critics, scholars, teachers, and anyone whose opinions and judgments regarding a literary work are also widely respected,get to choose that these books and these alone are most important, other books which are left out. To me this seems like school yard bullying of books and playing favorites.
because these peoples chioces are subjective and really there are no rigid qualifications for canonization. I find this list entirely nonsensical.
Why we need list happy book worms to tell us whats most important and what we'll most likely be studying at university if litreture was chosen, is entirely pointless. Reading is for pleasure. Cannons bias people. just because a book is not on list doesn't mean its not fantastic or important.
one popular definition also i researched of a literary cannon refers to religious validity, implying that the canonized works are officially recognized by a church, and are considered religiously appropriate. why on earth should religion have any hold upon what people read?
anyways back to the questions, on harold blooms cannons i enjoy aristotle- only quotes though. smart guy really. but yes i havn't tried to read anything in full, i just enjoy his famous quotes.
i like William Shakespeare Plays and Poems.
i love some william blake sometimes... only sometimes, must in the mood to read poetry -.-, dislike other poems of his though.
i thought i liked austen, realised i only found her work funny because i desliked her views intensly and found the times she lived in silly. so yes, i don't like her much really other than laughing as i read her books, whcih were not meant to be funny in the ways i found them. oh wells
Yes i have heard of many listed, and most likely only because they are part of the cannon. SO unfair to other books.
I believe certain groups or people would argue with these lists (such as myself), because the very idea of having a list is silly and unfair. Also because everyone has an opinion and each person has books they love which others don't. a cannon shouldn't exist or be used as a guideline. part of the fun of reading itself is dicovering new authors on your own and coming to love them. if one were to read a book only and purely for the reason it belongs to this list, well thats a little sad. Give other books a go.
perhaps i have misunderstood what a cannon is, or am not with it right now. bit tired, but there you go Literature homework complete. woooooooooohooooooooooo
cheerio, see you all 2moro.
robert frost quotes anyone by the way?
ReplyDeletehttp://thinkexist.com/quotation/in_three_words_i_can_sum_up_everything_i-ve/11884.html
favorite: "In three word i can sum up everything i have learned about life. It goes on."
So true and fantastic to remember sometimes.
I found the article extremely interesting, and i, personally, am all for a literary cannon, i appreciate that influential literary critics and scholars get to decide on the literary works that are worthy enough of the title. However, i must agree with the others, what some people deem as acceptable to gain the title of being in the literary cannon, may not be the choice for others. Nonetheless, although a novel you enjoy or found inspirational isn’t on the list, does not mean that it is not important, it may just lack the criteria that would enable it to be listed in the cannon.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I believe that people may find grounds to argue on the basis that the literary cannon needs to be updated or many more contemporary books should be added to the list, as looking upon the lists, i must admit that many of them are classics, and not many contemporary novels that our generation have grown up with are on there. I must agree with Ash, another reason critics may argue is that the lists can be deemed as sexist towards woman, as majority of the authors that dominate the list, are in fact male.
Looking at the lists, i realised that i also recognised a great deal of work from Great Britain, in comparison to Australia- where i only sadly only recognised 2 works. Moreover, i have read a few that are evident on the lists, however, nowhere near as many as i would like to read. Many of the authors and their works i recognise are purely due to studying them or talking about them in our literature classes, such as the remarkable Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, and poets such as William Blake and Thomas hardy.
i am rather confused about this cannon thing. what defines a book worthy of the literary cannon? it states that they have to have some sort of contemporary significance and that they are books you are able to read again and again. however there must be many books that fit to those guidelines that have not made it into the literary cannon. i don't like it that there is a sort of class for books. its just like people in a society. hmm i think i shall have to further think about this.... i enjoy books just because i like to read... i dont go into too much depth with them.. perhaps that is why i dont understand the purpose of the literary cannon truly. i agree with lyndel in saying that it is too picky. everyones literary cannon will very likely be different as we all have different tastes of writers, genres and style. i for example love fantasy and adventure books however i doubt the one and only Harry Potter would be on the literary cannon. curious to know whaty everyone else thinks. see you all at school.
ReplyDeleteI have found the canon to be quite interesting, however i am sitting on the fence because i don't know if i like it or not. On one hand i like how it allows people to read about authors they have not heard of and read books they wouldn't normally read. it gives people a reason to read. However i dont like how the list appears subjective.
ReplyDeletethe canon acknowledges the great works from the ancient rome and greece era; which i happen to agree with although i ahve never actually read any of the works.
greats like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Chaucer and Shakespeare are all there and you would expect them to be. Moliere's Tartuffe is also included which i found interesting as i enjoyed the play but never thought it would be considered as one of the great literature pieces. the bronte sisters and oscar wilde can also be found on the list. and i found Louisa May Alcot's Little Women which i loved reading!
This list does in fact make me feel so small becuase i havent read most of these books, or heard of the authors or even knew these books existed.
As for the Australian list; well the only literary great i knew was Schindler's list becuase i had heard of it in history!
I have to question however why Australia's contribution to the list was so small??? we would have to have more notable writers than that???
As for the list, i did enjoy the suggestions made however i wouldn't bet my life on it as it is just a list, regardless if he is a professor, its just a list. yes the works on this list would most definetely be great but who is to say there aren't others that could or should be on the list as well.
the list is a great starting point for all readers but everyone has the right to decide what they believe to be GREAT books. everyone has their own taste and that taste shouldnt be put down or seen as less worthy because it didnt make the canon.
PS. the HARRY POTTER series is a GREAT book and will always be a CLASSIC in my mind.
I too, found this article to be very interesting, in relation to the literary cannon. I agree, the common concern will remain, who is worthy of categorizing these novels on such a large scale. I'm not at all disrespecting the knowledge that these scholars and literary professionals have, but just because you’re educated in something doesn’t mean you’re the right person for the job. This reminds me of that short story ‘Neighbours’ because all the intellect and theory knowledge in the world couldn’t prepare that man for the real experiences that people were having in the 20th century…Just like, these judges need to take into account, why people love the novels they do and remember why people read the same novels cover to cover hoping to find some meaning in their own life. It can’t be purely on statistics and linguistic ability, classics have to go deeper than that and evoke an emotion in their reader regardless of their technique, but based on heart.
ReplyDeleteLike my fellow Literature students have previously mentioned, I too recognize only a few of those on the Australian list and even then it is only by name not through the actually reading of their works (which I find quite sad). I also believe that readers of this literary canon then feel obliged to read the works that are mentioned because it is like they are being ‘told’ to because they fit a set of criteria rather than having a selection of novels recommended to you by a friend who simply loves them ‘just coz’.
Another thing to remember ladies is that although it is a shame that most of the titles on this list are all classics, and very few, if any, have been written in the last ten or twenty years. They haven't yet stood the test of time, so you will just have to be patient and stay tuned Harry Potter fans!
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI think one of the interesting things about Bloom's cannon is that it is so thorough. Each time I look at it I am reminded how there are so many countries and cultures with a strong literary tradition - and we just knwo a few names of the English and American, and maybe 2 or 3 French and Russian!
Remember that this was an academic undertaking by Bloom, in his role as a literature academic who has really dedicated his working life to Literature. It isn't a list that anybody is bound to, or should agree with, and many other bosied have hypothesised about what should be on a cannon. So it's just one man's opinion about what makes a "great" work of literature, given certain criteria.
So don't take it as a statement of elitism, read it as a serious undertaking to try and document all the many works of literature that have inspired, and continue to inspire readers all over the world. Many of the works have a lifelong impact on readers, and influence their life path.
JC
i have to say im not sure if i like the idea of a literary canon or not. i don't mind knowing there is a list of appositely amazing books out there. for people who want to read a "classic" book, the list would certainly prove its worthiness. but who is to say if a book is good enough to make it onto the list?
ReplyDeletewith the thousands of books out there, who really cares if a book can "last the test of time" or not? i believe books are written for the audience of the time, not with the hopes of what will my children's, children read?
on top of that, there are thousands of books still being read that were written hundreds of years ago, why don't they make it onto the list?
personally, now i think of it, im not in favor of the list at all. if the books on the list are so good, shouldn't they be known through word of mouth or common knowledge?
just doesn't seem right..
sorry for my small rant.
xx cinda
ok i have watched an episode of 'first tuesday book club'. i watched on the novel 'he 'indelible ink' a fancy way of saying tat i think, as indelible i have disvoered means marks that cannot be erased. The discussion at first confused me, and Sesquipedalian words freaked me out. However after i overcame this fear the discussion they had of the novel was brilliant. i quite liked the arguments and imputs of the girl in the dress and the guy with grey hair. they seemed to been most opinionated about if this book was good or bad. Then it reached the end. They didn't tell me to read the book, to not read the book. And i find myself thinking about there arguments and discussion unable to decide if i might read this book also. i quite loved this dicussion. :)
ReplyDeletealso i what amused me is that the girl most opinionated about the tattoos in the book, she herself had a tattoo. ^_^ ah lovely
Yes i believe this show is quite worthwhile to watch.
hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. What do you think JC about the indelible ink? worth a read?
any one interested in watching any first tuesday book clubs, here is a link
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday/video/default.htm?program=firsttuesday&pres=20101005&story=1&tab=2010
byes
i watched the episode where they were talking about Pride and prejudice. i found it funny how you had the people who adored it, then the people who hated it and found it boring. it reminded me of our lit class discussions.
ReplyDeletethe main host made a note she gathered from a guy named, George Henry (i believe that was it), and he once said that the basic structure of a Austin book included: a village, two families connected together, three or four interlopers, village or town gossiping which a plot will finally thickened,which wont be resulted until 6 pages from the ending. the host and the guests then went on to agree. i thought it was interesting how Austin followed that simple structure, making a connection to the readers through the use of comedy, and a central heroin which through out the novel, the reader begins to love and hope for them to succeed in life and their goals through out the novel plot line.
overall i enjoyed the talk, and it opened me up to so many other opinions about the novel.