What is Canonical Literature? Exploring its Historical Development, Criteria for Inclusion, Cultural Impact and Debate

Introduction

Canonical literature is a term used to describe works that are considered to be of the highest quality and worth studying in depth. The concept of the canon has been around for centuries, with different cultures and societies creating their own list of ‘essential’ works over time. This article will explore what canonical literature is, and examine its historical development, criteria for inclusion, cultural impact and debate.

Historical Development of Canonical Literature

The concept of the canon has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome. According to the Oxford Classical Dictionary: “In classical antiquity, the word ‘canon’ was used to describe the authoritative texts of literature, such as the works of Homer, Sophocles, and Aristotle.” As the centuries passed, these works were studied and revered by scholars and writers, who sought to emulate them in their own work. Over time, the idea of the canon evolved, and began to encompass works from other cultures and eras.

The 19th century saw a shift in the way canonical literature was viewed, with the emerging field of literary criticism beginning to challenge the notion of the canon. Critics argued that the works of certain authors, such as Shakespeare and Milton, had become so entrenched in the canon that they were no longer being critically evaluated. This led to a period of reevaluation, with critics seeking to expand the canon to include works from outside the traditional Western canon.

Criteria for Inclusion in Canonical Literature

So what makes a work of literature canonical? There is no definitive answer, but there are some key criteria that are commonly used to evaluate works. These include literary quality, cultural relevance and timelessness.

Literary Quality: Works of canonical literature must be of exceptional quality. They must be well-written, thought-provoking and engaging. They must also have stood the test of time, remaining popular and relevant to readers over the years.

Cultural Relevance: Canonical works should also be culturally relevant. They should reflect the values and beliefs of their society, and help to preserve its cultural heritage. They should also be accessible to a wide range of readers, and be able to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences.

Timelessness: Finally, works of canonical literature should have a timeless quality. They should be able to transcend their own era, and remain relevant and significant to readers in the present day. Canonical works should also be able to inspire future generations of readers, helping to shape their understanding of the world.

Cultural Impact of Canonical Literature

Canonical literature has had a profound impact on culture and society. It has shaped the way we think, learn and interact with each other. Here are just some of the ways in which canonical literature has had an influence:

Education: Canonical works have been used as teaching tools for centuries. From the works of Homer and Virgil in ancient Greece, to the novels of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens in the 19th century, canonical works have been used to educate people about literature, language and history.

Popular Culture: Canonical literature has also had a major influence on popular culture. Many canonical works have been adapted into films, plays, television shows and video games, introducing them to new audiences. These adaptations have also helped to keep the works alive, ensuring that they remain relevant and significant to modern readers.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Finally, canonical works help to preserve our cultural heritage. By studying the works of past authors, we can gain insight into the values and beliefs of previous generations, and understand how they shaped the world we live in today.

Debate Over Canonical Literature

Despite its long history, the concept of the canon remains controversial. One of the main points of contention is who should decide what is included in the canon. Should it be academics, critics or the general public? This question has sparked vigorous debates over the years, as different groups argue for their own interpretations of what constitutes canonical literature.

Another area of controversy is the inclusion and exclusion of certain works. Many argue that the canon has been dominated by the works of white male authors, and that more diverse voices should be represented. Others point to the fact that many canonical works are outdated, and that newer works should be given a chance to enter the canon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, canonical literature is a term used to describe works that are considered to be of the highest quality and worth studying in depth. It has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, and has since evolved to include works from other cultures and eras. The criteria for inclusion in the canon includes literary quality, cultural relevance and timelessness, and canonical works have had a major impact on education, popular culture and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, the concept of the canon remains controversial, with debates raging over who should decide what is included, and the inclusion and exclusion of certain works.