Literary Term - Canon

 

Literary Term

Canon 

In literary terms, the word "canon" refers to a body of works that are considered authoritative or generally accepted as genuine and important within a particular literary tradition, genre, or field. The literary canon often includes works that are considered classics, influential, and representative of the highest quality or standards within a given culture or period.

The concept of the canon can vary across different literary traditions, cultures, and academic disciplines. It is essentially a list of works that are deemed significant and worthy of study or preservation. The canon can include both fiction and non-fiction works, and it may evolve over time as new works are added or as perspectives on existing works change.

While the literary canon has traditionally been dominated by works from certain cultural or historical perspectives, there has been ongoing discussion and debate about the need to expand and diversify canons to include a broader range of voices and perspectives. This reflects a recognition of the importance of acknowledging and studying works from a variety of cultures, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds.

 

Difference Between Canon and Apocrypha

The terms "canon" and "apocrypha" are often used in the context of religious or literary texts, and they refer to different concepts:

 

Canon:

In religious contexts, a canon refers to an officially accepted set of sacred texts considered authoritative within a particular religious tradition.

The term is also used in literary studies to denote a body of works that are considered authoritative or recognized as genuine and important within a specific genre, culture, or period.

The canon represents the officially accepted and normative collection of texts. For example, in Christianity, the Bible is divided into Old Testament and New Testament canons, each consisting of books considered sacred and inspired.

 

Apocrypha:

The term "apocrypha" refers to writings or books that are not included in the official or accepted canon.

Apocryphal texts are often of uncertain origin or authorship, and they may present narratives or teachings that are not included in the recognized sacred texts.

In religious contexts, the apocrypha may include texts that are considered by some to be useful or informative but are not officially part of the recognized canon. For example, certain books labeled as apocryphal are found in some editions of the Bible but not in others.

In a broader literary sense, the apocrypha may refer to works that are not widely accepted, recognized, or considered canonical within a specific literary tradition.

It's important to note that the use and understanding of these terms can vary across different religious traditions and literary disciplines. Additionally, what is considered apocryphal in one context may be considered canonical in another. The boundaries between canon and apocrypha can be fluid and subject to interpretation.

 

Examples of Canon from Literature

Literary canons can vary across cultures, genres, and time periods. What is considered part of the canon in one literary tradition might differ from another. However, there are several examples of works that are commonly regarded as canonical in Western literature.

 

Shakespearean Plays:

Works such as "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and many others by William Shakespeare are widely regarded as part of the literary canon.

 

Homer's Epics:

"The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer are foundational works in Western literature and are often considered canonical.

 

The Bible:

The Bible is a canonical text in religious and literary terms. It includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

 

Jane Austen's Novels:

Novels like "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma" by Jane Austen are often included in the literary canon.

 

Victorian Novels:

Works from the Victorian era, such as Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations" and Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," are frequently considered canonical.

 

Russian Literature:

Novels like Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" and Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" are often part of the canon of Russian literature.

 

Greek Tragedies:

Plays by ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles ("Oedipus Rex") and Euripides ("Medea") are canonical in the realm of classical literature.

 

American Classics:

Works such as "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville, and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee are often considered part of the American literary canon.

 

Poetry Anthologies:

Certain poetry collections, like "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot or the works of Emily Dickinson, may be included in the literary canon.

 

It's important to note that literary canons are not static; they evolve over time, and there is ongoing discussion and debate about what should be included. Additionally, there are diverse literary traditions with their own canons that may include different works.

 

Function of a Canon

The concept of a canon serves several important functions in the realm of literature, art, and culture:

Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

Canons help preserve and transmit the cultural and intellectual heritage of a society. By identifying certain works as canonical, societies ensure that these works are passed down through generations, contributing to the continuity of cultural identity.

Establishment of Cultural Norms:

Canons play a role in shaping and reinforcing cultural norms and values. The inclusion of specific works as canonical can reflect and perpetuate certain beliefs, ideas, and moral or ethical standards held by a society.

Formation of a Literary Tradition:

Canons contribute to the formation of literary traditions by highlighting works that are considered exemplary or representative of a particular genre, style, or period. This helps shape the identity of literary movements and traditions.

Educational Tool:

Canons are often used as educational tools in schools and universities. They provide a foundation for literary and cultural studies, offering a set of texts that students are encouraged to read and analyze. This helps to establish a shared body of knowledge.

Criteria for Evaluation:

Canons establish criteria for evaluating the quality and significance of literary works. The inclusion of a work in the canon often implies that it is of high artistic, intellectual, or cultural value, according to the standards of a particular community or tradition.

Cultural Dialogue:

Canons facilitate a cultural dialogue across generations. By engaging with canonical works, individuals participate in conversations that extend beyond their immediate cultural and temporal contexts. This dialogue helps connect people across time and space.

Inspiration and Influence:

Canonical works often serve as sources of inspiration for subsequent generations of writers, artists, and thinkers. They influence the development of new works and ideas, contributing to the ongoing evolution of artistic and intellectual endeavors.

Cultural Critique and Revision:

The concept of a canon can also be a subject of critique and revision. Discussions around the canon can prompt reflection on issues of representation, inclusivity, and cultural diversity, leading to efforts to expand or redefine the canon to include voices that may have been marginalized or overlooked.

It's important to note that the idea of a canon is not without controversy, as it can be exclusive and may reflect the biases and perspectives of the dominant culture. Critics argue for the need to continually reassess and broaden canons to include a more diverse range of voices and perspectives.