what is a canon of literature ?

Question

anonymous · Answer

A canon in literature is a compilation of the greatest works of a given genre, such as an English canon - which would include all the greatest pieces of English literature. It's like the best of the best with the highest esteem of a particular category.

anonymous · Answer

A canon is something that serves as a reference and parameter of how that thing should be done. It contains a serie of rules (or models, if you like) about a certain subject. The word comes from the Greek: KANON, that means measuring tool. The Vitruvian Man (Leonardo DaVinci) is considered the canon of the aesthetical proortions for a man. If you wanto to know more about canon of literature, google for Harold Bloom - he was one of the most important professor that "pushed"  the concept of western literary canon. Good luck!

anonymous · Answer

Canons are set up to be consisting of pieces of Literature that are must read in order to know Literature and as such are open to contention and debate.
 First locate Canon for your Literature, learn to read it and then contentious debate about Canon around Issue Y or B.

anonymous · Answer

In the realm of fiction and literature, the canon is the accepted body of works for a particular author or group of writers. Canonical novels, short stories and plays are studied in academic circles, and they are often considered representative of a period or genre.

It has been said that the canon is filled with works by "dead white guys." However, the canon has been hotly debated in more recent years, as the value of multicultural, minority, and women's literature has been reevaluated.