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Kellie Elhai

Mrs. P. Bradley

English 12AP

25 January 2017

Western Canon and Classics

Western Canon, a list of works of literature by Harold Bloom, attempts to define ideas

and themes that shaped Western culture throughout the ages. Although the concrete list is

largely debated, a few books that remain there by a general consensus include classics such

as Iliad and Odyssey, The Divine Comedy, and Moby-Dick (Bloom, 1994). However, we must

question the meaning of a classic in this context. What certifications must a book meet to be

considered one? The concept of what makes a classic is as debated as the Western Canon list

itself, yet both terms hold similar core requirements.

Books on the Canon list are celebrated for playing an influential role in Western history

and culture, and their titles are widely known. Many of them sparked anger and controversy

upon their publication, but stood the test of time and spread their fascinating new language and

ideals not just with the West, but with the world. Such works include Joyces Ulysses and Ovids

Metamorphoses, which shocked contemporary readers when they were first released. Later,

they were celebrated for their influence on Western storytelling techniques and the

groundbreaking new ways they explored the human spirit (Bowers, 2016). Harold Bloom

originally lended some solidity to this concept by publishing his own Western Canon list in his

work The Western Canon. The influential literature published in that book is widely accepted as

part of the canon, as it was decided by a respected author. By setting down these general

guidelines as to what type of novels are able to be included, Bloom laid out a format for the

general public to add books to it in future generations. Although books could theoretically be

removed from the list by the Western consensus, doing so would not accomplish anything

tangible and is therefore unlikely to happen.

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When the term classic comes up, most envision old, meaningful novels that are

typically encountered in a school setting. Classic novels are typically old, although it certainly is

not a requirement, and they carry a deeper meaning or message that reveals some truth about

human nature. The definition of classic has been widely debated for as long as the term itself

has existed. Classic novels have withstood the test of time; although newer works can certainly

be considered potential classics, their lasting impact and influence cannot be confirmed until

several decades have passed since its initial rise in popularity. They may be difficult to read due

to the way language has changed, but despite their differences in writing, they also show how

people stay the same (Clarke, 2012). No one in specific chooses which books are considered

classics; rather, the words within the pages speak for themselves. One may consider a novel

such as Ann Radcliffes The Italian to be the most important and classical piece of literature ever

written, whilst another may read it and consider it to be merely a trifle.

The list of classics is always changing as new and old books alike spread their influence,

but the Western Canon list is fairly static. Classics come into and out of style depending on the

person, location, and overall preferences. In just a few decades, the title Pride and Prejudice

may be met with blank stares. A known classic could be denounced from the title by popular

opinion, or the influence of a single respected opinion. However, the books that shaped Western

culture and ideals are forever etched in history, as their effects influenced past events and, by

default, current and future events as well. Bloom wrote the list in part due to his growing fear of

the death of reading, but by doing so, he encouraged more people to pick up books (Lehmann-

Hopt, 1994). In theory, a book could be removed from the Western Canon list the same way it

would be done in the case of a class: with the word of an influential author or general

agreement. This possibility is neither likely nor beneficial, as changing opinions about what

shaped Western culture will not accomplish much.

The concepts of Western Canon and classic literature are both ambiguous and hold

different definitions with nearly every person one discusses them with. However, each term
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describes a deeper truth about the types of novels and poems included within them. Whether a

book shaped Western culture as we know it or has touched people the same way throughout

several decades, both Canon and classic books are some of humanitys greatest achievements.

Works Cited:

Bloom, Harold. "The Western Canon." Water Librarians. Water Librarians, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.

http://sonic.net/~rteeter/grtbloom.html.

Bowers, John M. "The Western Literary Canon in Context." The Great Courses. University of

Nevada, 09 Oct. 2016. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.

http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/western-literary-canon-in-context.html.
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Clark, Rose. "What Makes a Book a Classic?" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 12

Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-

site/2012/apr/17/what-makes-a-classic.

Lehmann-Haupt, Christopher. "Presidential Lectures: Harold Bloom: Reviews." Stanford

Presidential Lectures in the Humanities and Arts. Stanford University, 1994. Web. 26

Jan. 2017. https://prelectur.stanford.edu/lecturers/bloom/reviews.html#canon.