Literary Canon

Definition

The literary canon refers to a collection of works that are considered essential or authoritative within a particular literary tradition. These texts are often deemed to represent the highest achievements of literature and shape cultural understanding, influencing what is studied and valued in literature, including themes, styles, and historical contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The literary canon often reflects the dominant cultural narratives and societal values, leading to the inclusion of certain works while excluding others.
2. Slave narratives, as a genre, have increasingly gained recognition within the literary canon for their powerful depictions of the human experience and resilience under oppression.
3. The evolving nature of the literary canon means that it can change over time as new voices are acknowledged and historical perspectives shift.
4. The inclusion of African American literature in the literary canon challenges traditional narratives and promotes greater diversity in understanding American literature.
5. The impact of slave narratives on the literary canon has prompted discussions about authenticity, voice, and representation in literature.

Review Questions

• How do slave narratives challenge the traditional literary canon?
  • Slave narratives challenge the traditional literary canon by introducing voices and experiences that have been historically marginalized. These narratives reveal the complexities of slavery, human dignity, and resistance that were often overlooked in dominant literary traditions. As a result, they expand the canon to include diverse perspectives, prompting a re-evaluation of what constitutes significant literature.
• Discuss the implications of including slave narratives in the literary canon on contemporary literary criticism.
  • Including slave narratives in the literary canon has significant implications for contemporary literary criticism as it encourages critics to reconsider previously established criteria for evaluating literary merit. This inclusion prompts discussions around themes such as trauma, identity, and resilience while challenging critics to recognize the importance of historically marginalized voices. Furthermore, it fosters a more inclusive understanding of American literature that reflects its diverse heritage.
• Evaluate how the inclusion of slave narratives in the literary canon affects societal perceptions of history and culture.
  • The inclusion of slave narratives in the literary canon profoundly affects societal perceptions of history and culture by reshaping how we understand America's past. These narratives provide firsthand accounts of the brutality of slavery and highlight resilience in the face of oppression, encouraging empathy and a deeper awareness of social justice issues. By acknowledging these works as part of our shared heritage, we foster a more accurate and nuanced understanding of cultural identity and history in America.

Related terms

Cannon of Literature: This term refers to the selection of texts that are widely accepted as being of significant literary merit and importance within a certain cultural context.

Marginalization: The process by which certain voices, perspectives, or literary works are excluded from the mainstream literary canon, often affecting representation in literature.

Criticism: The practice of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating literary works, which can influence the establishment and evolution of the literary canon over time.