The Existence of the Western Canon
For many centuries, the Western Canon of literary works has set a standard for education by presenting the great and outstanding literary works of the past. As multiculturalism and equality thrive in the new millennium, the validity of the seemingly racially and sexually discriminating canon is being questioned. Yet, the works that are contained within the canon are truly undisputable in their greatness. These brilliant works have fueled the imaginations and creativity of many writers in the distant past and the present future alike. If the canon is to be abolished, however, in the name of equality between the genders and multiculturalism, chaos will ensue in the literary world, as the truly groundbreaking and original creations of literature become drowned in an endless sea of works by lesser talents. Thus, instead of destroying the Western Canon, it should be preserved and embraced for the betterment of literature. Not a single piece of work included in the Western Canon achieved its greatness only because of the writer's race or gender. Instead, they all include a certain "strangeness" (Bloom 3) and uniqueness that distinguish them from the works by lesser writers. This "strangeness", as described by Harold Bloom, is "
Instead, they are built upon other great works by authors of earlier times. Maintaining the literary canon should be one of the greatest responsibilities of any student of literature, as its benefits by far overshadow its shortcomings. is now the fashion in our schools and colleges, where all aesthetic and most intellectual standards are being abandoned in the name of social harmony and remedying of historical injustice" (7). In what way can this be done other than the canon? By preserving the canon, we are actually investing in the future of literature. This is because the great writers included in the canon are deserving of an eternal place in history for their great accomplishments - both the outstanding works they created, and the works that are given birth because of their influence. Creative and inspirational pieces of literature are not created overnight by lone geniuses to whom epiphanies visit through chimneys. This is a book that cannot be denied of its value for many ages to come. The expansions of the canon, as suggested by the socialist critics of today, would only lead to one thing - the destruction of the canon. a mode of originality that either cannot be assimilated, or that so assimilates us that we cease to see it as strange" (3). This should be avoided at all costs and thus the canon needs to be maintained. When one looks at the various works that earned their canonical status, one easily notices this uncanny "strangeness" achieved by their authors. In order to maintain the quality of literary works created by the future generations, a solid base of past literatures must be secured. Marquez's successful blending of comedy, pathos, myths, fantasy, and ironic satire make him undoubtedly one of the greatest writers of our time.
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Acceptance Essays
