The Role of the Literary Canon in the Teaching of Literature

The book explores the concept of the literary canon in the teaching of literature, tracing its evolution from Ancient Greece to the 21st century. It argues that the canon is integral to the teaching of literature but changes as the field evolves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of the concept of the literary canon on the teaching of literature, particularly in colleges and secondary schools within the United States. Before the term "canon" gained widespread usage in literary studies, which occurred in the second half of the 20th century when the canon was first critically examined for its political and cultural implications, the notion that certain literary texts were more deserving of scholarly attention than others had existed since the inception of the discipline of teaching literature in the 1800s. However, the concept of the canon extends far beyond its modern usage and has its roots in Ancient Greece. Over time, the meaning of the canon has evolved, making this book an invaluable resource for understanding the shifting dynamics of the literary canon.

Charting the changing significance of the idea of the literary canon, this book explores its influence on the teaching of literature from its early beginnings to the present day. To elucidate how the literary canon and the teaching of literature have evolved and continue to transform, the book develops a theoretical framework of canon formation, drawing upon the ideas of Michel Foucault and the assemblage theory of Manuel DeLanda. Through this lens, the book demonstrates that while the literary canon may be subject to debate, it remains an essential component of literature teaching, adapting and evolving alongside the changing landscape of literary education.

In the early stages of the teaching of literature, the focus was primarily on the study of classical texts, such as the works of Homer, Shakespeare, and Dante. These texts were considered to be the pinnacle of literary achievement and were studied in their original languages to preserve their cultural and historical significance. However, as the field of literary studies expanded, new genres and forms of literature began to be recognized, leading to the inclusion of works from different cultures and time periods in the canon.

One of the most significant developments in the canon was the rise of feminist literary criticism in the 1970s. Feminist critics argued that traditional literary canon had been dominated by male authors and that women's voices and experiences had been overlooked or marginalized. As a result, feminist scholars began to advocate for the inclusion of more women's literature in the canon, and this led to a broader recognition of the importance of gender and sexuality in literary analysis.

Another important development in the canon was the rise of postcolonial literature in the 1980s and 1990s. Postcolonial critics argued that traditional Western canon had been shaped by colonialism and imperialism and that works from non-Western cultures had been excluded or marginalized. As a result, postcolonial scholars began to advocate for the inclusion of more literature from non-Western cultures in the canon, and this led to a greater appreciation of the diversity of global literature.

In recent years, the canon has continued to evolve as new technologies and forms of communication have emerged. Digital literature, for example, has challenged traditional notions of what constitutes literature and has led to the inclusion of works that are primarily written in digital formats. Additionally, the rise format of the canon has also changed, with the rise format of the canon being increasingly diverse and inclusive.

Despite these changes, the literary canon remains a contentious issue, with many scholars and critics arguing that it is outdated and exclusionary. Some argue that the canon is perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases and that it excludes works from marginalized communities and cultures. Others argue that the canon is a valuable tool for teaching literature and that it provides students with a foundation of knowledge and understanding that can be built upon as they continue to study the field.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of the literary canon in the teaching of literature, particularly in colleges and secondary schools in the United States. By tracing the changing significance of the idea of the literary canon from its ancient origins to the present day, the book demonstrates the profound impact that the canon has had on the field of literary education. Through its theoretical framework of canon formation, the book illustrates how the canon has adapted and evolved to reflect the changing landscape of literary education, while also acknowledging the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding its significance. As the field of literary studies continues to evolve, this book will remain an essential resource for scholars and educators alike.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367510978