Etymology of Canon
The term “canon” in literature refers to a collection or list of works considered to be authoritative, exemplary, or culturally significant in a specific literary tradition, genre, or period. The etymology of the word “canon” in this context could be traced back to ancient Greek and Latin:
- Ancient Greek: The Greek word “κανών” (pronounced “kanón”) originally meant a straight rod or bar used for measuring or alignment. It was also used metaphorically to refer to a standard or rule. In the context of literature, “canon” drew from this metaphorical usage to denote a set of standard or accepted works.
- Latin: The Latin language adopted the term “canon” from Greek, and it retained a similar meaning of a rule or standard. In Latin, “canon” was used in various fields, including religion and law, to refer to authoritative texts or doctrines.
Meanings of Canon
- A straight rod or bar used for measuring or alignment, originally in ancient Greek.
- Metaphorically, a standard or rule, also derived from ancient Greek.
- In Latin, it continued to mean a rule or standard, applied in various fields.
- In literature, a collection or list of works considered authoritative, exemplary, or culturally significant within a particular tradition, genre, or period.
Definition of Canon as a Theoretical Term
Canon, in the realm of literature and the arts, comprises a select and culturally sanctioned collection of works that are deemed exemplary, influential, and indispensable in a specific literary tradition, genre, or cultural milieu. These works establish fundamental benchmarks, shaping aesthetic and thematic criteria while also reflecting the prevailing values and norms of their time or community. The concept of a literary or artistic canon holds significant sway in guiding critical discourse, shaping scholarly analysis, and contributing to cultural identities and heritage.
Canon Used by Theorists
Theorists:
- T.S. Eliot: Eliot discussed the literary canon as a means to define and uphold the cultural and literary traditions that contribute to the continuity and coherence of a society.
- Harold Bloom: Bloom explored the concept of the Western literary canon and introduced the idea of the “anxiety of influence” regarding how later writers engage with established canonical works.
- Michel Foucault: Foucault examined the idea of the literary and cultural canon as a tool of power, demonstrating how it can be used to shape and control cultural discourse.
Works Associated with Canon:
- “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot, In this poem, drew on various canonical works and literary traditions to create a complex and allusive modernist masterpiece.
- The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages by Harold Bloom: Bloom, In this book, presents his influential ideas about the Western literary canon and its enduring importance.
- The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences by Michel Foucault: Here Foucault explored how the concept of a cultural and literary canon has been used historically to classify and regulate knowledge.
Arguments About Canon:
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Theorists argue that the canon in literature preserves important cultural and literary heritage, ensuring that future generations have access to foundational texts.
- Gatekeeping and Exclusion: Critics also argue that the canon can be exclusive, perpetuating biases and overlooking marginalized voices and works.
- Evolution and Expansion: Some theorists advocate for an evolving and expanding canon in literature that reflects changing societal values and includes a broader range of voices and perspectives.
Canon and Literary Theories
| Theory | Canons |
| Marxist Literary Theory | – Economic Determinism: Emphasizes the role of economic structures and class struggle in literature. – Social Context: Analyzes how literature reflects and reinforces societal class divisions and power dynamics. – Material Conditions: Examines how the material conditions of society influence the creation and reception of literature. – Ideological Critique: Focuses on exposing and critiquing the ideologies embedded in literary works. |
| Feminist Literary Theory | – Gender Representation: Analyzes how literature portrays gender roles, stereotypes, and the experiences of women. – Patriarchy Critique: Investigates how literary texts may perpetuate or challenge patriarchal norms and power structures. – Intersectionality: Considers how race, class, and other factors intersect with gender in literature. – Recovery and Redefinition: Aims to recover and reinterpret the voices and contributions of marginalized female authors. |
| Postcolonial Literary Theory | – Colonial Legacy: Examines the impact of colonialism on literature, identity, and culture. – Subaltern Voices: Highlights the perspectives and voices of colonized or marginalized peoples. – Hybridity: Explores the blending of cultures and identities in postcolonial literature. – Resistance and Decolonization: Focuses on literature as a tool for resistance and decolonization. |
| Queer Literary Theory | – Sexuality and Gender Identity: Analyzes how literature represents and challenges normative notions of sexuality and gender. – Queer Reading: Interprets texts from queer perspectives, emphasizing non-normative sexualities. – Subversion of Norms: Explores how literature can subvert heteronormative narratives and binaries. – LGBTQ+ Representation: Examines how LGBTQ+ characters and themes are depicted in literature. |
| New Criticism | – Close Reading: Emphasizes a detailed analysis of the text itself, disregarding authorial intent or historical context. – Formal Elements: Focuses on the formal aspects of literature, such as structure, imagery, symbolism, and language. – Autotelic: Regards the literary work as self-contained and self-sufficient, with intrinsic value. – Objective Criticism: Strives for objectivity in the interpretation of literature. |
| Structuralist Literary Theory | – Structural Analysis: Concentrates on the underlying structures and systems in literature. – Language and Signs: Examines how language and signs function in literature. – Narrative Structures: Analyzes the underlying narrative patterns and conventions in literary texts. – Semiotics: Draws on semiotic theory to understand the sign systems at play in literature. |
Canon as a Literary Device
As a literary device, “canon” refers to the deliberate inclusion or reference to a specific set of texts, ideas, or cultural elements within a literary work. Authors use this device to establish authority, create intertextual connections, explore themes, or make cultural commentary. It serves to enrich the depth and meaning of the narrative while contributing to character development and the overall context of the story.
Canon in Literature
| Feature | Representative Work | How it is a Canon |
| Foundational Texts | Representative work: Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” | “Hamlet” is considered a foundational text in the Western literary canon, essential for understanding the development of drama and the complexities of human psychology. |
| Authoritative Influence | Representative work: Homer’s “The Odyssey” | “The Odyssey” by Homer has exerted authoritative influence on epic poetry and adventure narratives, setting stylistic and thematic standards for subsequent works. |
| Enduring Relevance | Representative work: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice | Pride and Prejudice remains relevant due to its exploration of social class, relationships, and individualism, speaking to universal human experiences. |
| Cultural Significance | Representative work: Dante’s “Divine Comedy” | “The Divine Comedy” reflects the cultural and religious values of medieval Italy and has become a symbol of Italian literature and identity. |
| Exclusivity and Controversy | Representative work: James Joyce’s Ulysses | “Ulysses” is known for its controversial content and exclusion from some educational curricula, sparking debates about its place in the modernist canon. |
| Evolution and Revision | Representative work: Toni Morrison’s Beloved | Beloved challenged the traditional canon by introducing African American voices and narratives, prompting a reevaluation and expansion of literary canons. |
| Educational Importance | Representative work: Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | Huckleberry Finn is a staple in literature courses, shaping curricula and providing a foundation for discussions of race, identity, and American culture. |
| Diversity and Inclusivity | Representative work: Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart | Things Fall Apart is instrumental in diversifying canons by introducing African literature and perspectives into global literary studies. |
| Interpretative Framework | Representative work: Aristotle’s “Poetics” | Aristotle’s “Poetics” serves as a foundational text for understanding the structure and principles of dramatic literature, providing an interpretative framework for analysis. |
Suggested Readings
- Bloom, Harold. The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages. Harcourt, 1994.
- Eagleton, Terry. The Ideology of the Aesthetic. Blackwell, 1990.
- Guillory, John. Cultural Capital: The Problem of Literary Canon Formation. University of Chicago Press, 1993.
- Jenkins, Keith. Re-thinking History. Routledge, 2003.
- Said, Edward W. The World, the Text, and the Critic. Harvard University Press, 1983.
- Tanselle, G. Thomas. A Rationale of Textual Criticism. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1989.
- West, Martin L. Textual Criticism and Editorial Technique. B. G. Teubner, 1973.
- Wood, Michael. The Magician’s Doubts: Nabokov and the Risks of Fiction. Princeton University Press, 1994.
- Zunshine, Lisa. Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel. Ohio State University Press, 2006.