Western Canon

Main thing

The Western canon is the body of literature, music, philosophy, and art considered to be the most influential in shaping Western culture. It includes works from ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and up to the early 20th century. These works are considered classics and essential for understanding the development of Western thought and culture.

Some key elements of the Western canon include:

• Ancient Greek epics, dramas, and philosophy (e.g., Homer, Sophocles, Plato)

• Roman poetry, history, and oratory (e.g., Virgil, Cicero, Ovid)

• The Bible, especially the Old and New Testaments

• Medieval romance, poetry, and prose (e.g., Dante, Chaucer, Chrétien de Troyes)

• Renaissance drama, poetry, and essays (e.g., Shakespeare, Montaigne, Cervantes)

• Enlightenment novels, philosophy, and political writings (e.g., Voltaire, Locke, Rousseau)

• Romantic poetry and prose (e.g., Goethe, Wordsworth, Austen)

• Realist and modernist fiction (e.g., Flaubert, Tolstoy, Joyce)

Terms

• Canon – a collection of works considered to be the most important in shaping a particular field or culture. For example, the biblical canon refers to the books that are officially recognized as part of the Bible.

• Classic – a work that is considered to be of the highest quality and enduring value. For example, Shakespeare's plays are considered classics of English literature.

• The Great Books – a term often used interchangeably with the Western canon, referring to a core curriculum of books that are deemed essential for a liberal arts education. For example, many universities have "Great Books" programs that focus on the study of canonical works.

• Ancient Greece – the period of Greek history lasting from the 8th century BCE to the end of antiquity (ca. 600 CE), known for its art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and politics. Many foundational works of the Western canon, such as the epics of Homer and the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, originated in ancient Greece.

• Rome – the period of ancient Roman civilization, lasting from the 8th century BCE to the 5th century CE, known for its military conquests, art, literature, law, and engineering. Roman authors such as Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero made significant contributions to the Western canon.

• The Middle Ages – the period of European history lasting from the 5th to the 15th century CE, characterized by the rise of Christianity, feudalism, and the development of vernacular literature. Key medieval authors in the Western canon include Dante, Chaucer, and Chrétien de Troyes.

• The Renaissance – the period of European history lasting from the 14th to the 17th century, characterized by a revival of classical learning, humanism, and artistic innovation. Renaissance authors such as Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Cervantes are central figures in the Western canon.

• The Enlightenment – the period of European intellectual history in the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a focus on reason, individualism, and progress. Enlightenment authors such as Voltaire, Locke, and Rousseau made significant contributions to the Western canon in the fields of literature, philosophy, and political thought.

An analogy

The Western canon can be compared to the soul of Western civilization. Just as the soul shapes a person's identity and values, the canon has shaped the identity and values of the West. Even if we are not always consciously aware of its influence, it continues to shape our worldviews and cultural assumptions in profound ways.

A main misconception

One common misconception about the Western canon is that it is a fixed and unchanging list of works. In reality, the canon is constantly evolving and subject to debate and revision. Works that were once considered canonical may fall out of favor, while new works may be added as they gain recognition and influence.

For example, in recent years there has been a push to expand the canon to include more works by women, people of color, and other marginalized groups who have traditionally been underrepresented.

The history

1. In ancient Greece (5th-4th centuries BCE), scholars began compiling lists of the most important works of literature and philosophy. These lists were not called "canons" at the time, but they represented an early attempt to identify the most significant and influential texts.

2. The Bible, composed of the Old Testament (written primarily in Hebrew) and the New Testament (written in Greek), emerged as a central text of Western culture during the early centuries of the Common Era. It shaped the religious, moral, and literary imagination of the West for centuries to come.

3. In the Middle Ages (5th-15th centuries CE), the concept of a "canon" began to take shape, as religious authorities and scholars determined which texts were considered authoritative and essential for education and cultural literacy. Works of classical antiquity, as well as Christian texts, formed the core of this early canon.

4. During the Renaissance (14th-17th centuries), the scope of the canon expanded to include more secular works, particularly those that revived and imitated the styles and genres of classical Greek and Roman literature. Scholars and critics played a key role in shaping the canon through their commentaries, translations, and educational curricula.

5. In the 19th century, the idea of a Western canon became more formalized, with the creation of "Great Books" programs at universities and the publication of comprehensive lists of essential works. However, the canon was largely shaped by the tastes and values of white, male, European elites.

6. In the 20th century, the canon came under increasing scrutiny and debate, with critics arguing for greater diversity and inclusion of marginalized voices. The concept of a fixed, unchanging canon was challenged, and many works by women, people of color, and non-Western authors were added to the canon or recognized as important counterpoints to the traditional canon.

"What makes the canon valuable is precisely its self-modifying character, its stability as a Western tradition that nevertheless is able to assimilate writing from beyond its boundaries." - Harold Bloom, literary critic and author of "The Western Canon" (1994)

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Read a canonical work that you haven't read before, such as Homer's "Odyssey" or Dante's "Inferno." Pay attention to the themes, characters, and literary techniques that have made these works enduring classics.

2. Engage in a discussion or debate about the canon with friends or classmates. Consider questions such as: What works do you think belong in the canon? What works are overrated or underrated? How has the canon changed over time and why?

3. Create your own personal canon of works that have been most influential and meaningful to you. This could include books, music, films, or any other form of art or media. Reflect on what these works have in common and what they reveal about your own values and interests.

Interesting facts

• The term "canon" comes from the Greek word "kanon," meaning a measuring rod or standard.

• The Bible is one of the oldest and most influential works in the Western canon, with some parts dating back more than 3,000 years.

• Shakespeare is often considered the most canonical author in the English language, with his works being studied and performed around the world for over 400 years.

• In the 20th century, the Western canon expanded to include more works from non-Western cultures, such as the novels of Chinua Achebe and Gabriel García Márquez.

• Some critics argue that the concept of a canon is elitist and exclusionary, while others see it as a necessary foundation for cultural literacy and shared values.