In a recent essay, Steve Henderson writes: "The traditional canonical texts of Western literature are seen by the feminist movement to define who has the power to speak in Western culture and who does not." What is the canon? And, what do you think about canonical texts, Western literature, and feminism? Do you agree (or disagree) with Harold Bloom's assessment of the canon and Western literature? While you're at it, how does Hamlet fit in? Post your comments.
In a recent essay, Steve Henderson writes: "The traditional canonical texts of Western literature are seen by the feminist movement to define who has the power to speak in Western culture and who does not." What is the canon? And, what do you think about canonical texts, Western literature, and feminism? Do you agree (or disagree) with Harold Bloom's assessment of the canon and Western literature? While you're at it, how does Hamlet fit in? Post your comments.
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Comments
Although it isn’t pc, the truth is that women writers as well as those of other cultures or ethnicity, cannot be included in that group of historically influential literature proposed by Bloom’s canon. Reality is that the literature produced by ‘white men’ has been for most of history the only literature published, read, studied, analyzed, etc. It was the main influence on society in the past. It may not be ‘right’ but it is true. In the 20th and 21st centuries that is changing, slowly, but it is changing and the ‘canon’ for the future will be quite different than that of the past.
I was born during World War II and went through college never knowing about great women writers. Teachers and later college professors discounted women writers and it took me a long time to get rid of the junk that I took in as I sat taking notes in those English classes.
I celebrate the inclusion of women writers as well as writers from other cultures and enthic groups other than the ones that I was exposed to during my education. Often in the past I unconsciously “translated” those works because I was not a member of those groups. Now, I do not have to. Again, I feel a great deal of freedom in the current climate of the current cannon.
Yes, it is changing and although slowly I am happy to see it. It gives us readers more authors to read and appreciate.
I’m hoping to reference Steve Henderson’s article for an essay on canonicity for my college course, but can’t seem to find out anything about him- what is his profession, can anyone help?
thanks, fay