Canonical Debate - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Canonical Debate. At its heart, canonical debate represents the ongoing, often fervent, discussion and re-evaluation surrounding which literary works are deemed worthy of inclusion in the literary canon – the body of works considered the most important and influential. But is this simply a matter of aesthetic preference, or are deeper power dynamics at play?
While the concept of a literary canon has existed implicitly for centuries, the explicit debates surrounding it gained traction in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Consider, for instance, the growing popularity of Shakespeare's plays. Even as they were enjoyed by common audiences, critics like Samuel Johnson grappled with articulating precisely why Shakespeare deserved his place of prominence – a task reflected in his Preface to Shakespeare (1765). This era, marked by the rise of nationalism and the establishment of literary societies, set the stage for more formal discussions on what constituted a nation's literary heritage.
The real fireworks began in the late 20th century, spurred by post-structuralism, feminism, and postcolonial studies. Figures like Harold Bloom, championing a traditional, largely Western, canon in The Western Canon (1994), clashed with critics advocating for the inclusion of voices previously marginalized – women, people of color, and writers from the Global South. This shift was not merely about adding new books to a list; it challenged the very foundations upon which literary value was judged. Consider, for instance, the rediscovery of Zora Neale Hurston's work during the Black Arts Movement; her novels, once overlooked, became central to understanding the complexities of race, gender, and identity in America.
Canonical debate continues to shape curricula, influence critical discourse, and reflect evolving societal values. In our present moment, the call for decolonizing the curriculum and amplifying marginalized voices reignites the question: who gets to decide what stories matter, and what are the consequences of those decisions? The canon, it seems, is not a static monument, but a constantly contested territory where the battle for cultural representation rages on.