Defining canon?

Question

Canon can either mean a broad literary intellectual heritage, including a wide range of fact and fiction, (reflecting the older, broader meaning of the term 'literature' as learned writing), or can focus more narrowly on the poetry, fiction and drama such as the poems of Spenser and the plays of Shakespeare.

Answer 1

The Western canon is a term used to denote a canon of books, and, more widely, music and art, that has been the most influential in shaping Western culture. It asserts a compendium of the greatest works of artistic merit. Such a canon is important to the theory of educational perennialism and the development of high culture. Although previously held in high regard, it has been the subject of increasing contention through the latter half of the 20th century. In practice, debates, and attempts to actually define the Canon in lists, are essentially restricted to books of various sorts: Literature, including Poetry, Fiction and Drama, autobiographical writings and Letters, Philosophy and History. A few accessible books on the Sciences are usually included.

Answer 2

In the context of fiction, the canon of a fictional universe comprises those novels, stories, films, etc. that are considered to be genuine, and those events, characters, settings, etc. that are considered to have inarguable existence within the fictional universe. Usually items that are considered canon come from the original source of the fictional universe while non-canon material comes from adaptations or unofficial items.

Answer 3

Umm, yes, and your question is.....?