Jun 02 2009
Canonized? Says who?
Last week in class we were discussing literature (obviously), specifically which books and authors are worthwhile and who makes those decisions. One of my classmates said that we can’t just open up the canon because trashy popular book will make their way in. I’ve been thinking about this statement ever since, and I disagree. I think that the canon is self-regulatory.
When I read Twilight (the book she used as an example of books we don’t want in the canon), it entertains me, but I don’t read much into it. When I read Watchmen, however, I see many levels of analysis (and I’m sure I miss some as well). Neither book is in the canon of academic literature, but I believe there is a place for graphic novels, especially ones like Watchmen which are full of literary and political commentary while romantic stories generally do not lend themselves to academic scrutiny.
I think it is elitist to tell people what types of books are worth reading. I also believe that within a particular genre, some books are better than others. Just because a book is popular or a best seller does not necessarily mean that it would suddenly become a candidate for scholarly work. I also think that we should consider the intended audience - juvenile books are less likely to become topics of academic papers than books written for adults.
But I wonder if my ideas here are too Utopian. Do I have too much faith in today’s readers? I want to believe that what I say is true, and perhaps English classes will cease to be mostly about Dead White Guys. I want to see more work on unusual, interesting, and timely books.
