I have to do an essay on this topic (basically) and I was wondering what you all thought. Do you know of any good books or other sources that could help me research this? Or works to at least help me research what qualities or requirements are needed to make a work classic (or canonical).
2007-04-14 09:38:55 · 7 answers · asked by jediace90 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The most well known, Harold Bloom's "Western Canon" does not include C S Lewis. You can find the list here: http://www.literarycritic.com/bloom.htm
So if your paper has to be on a book from the Western Canon, then you'll have to choose another book title.
However, if the topic of your paper is to discuss a book that YOU think should be considered part of Western Canon, and then give the reasons why you think so, then I think you've made a good choice.
In the latter case, you'll need to include what makes a classic. The answer to this varies very widely. But the main points would be:
The story stands the test of time. It is as fresh and interesting today as it was in the age it was first written.
For children's books (TL,TW&TW is children's fiction), it retains its appeal for children in each generation. It retains a certain appeal to the adults who have read it when they were children.
The story addresses some element(s) of the human condition and presents insight for dealing with it/solving it.
The story has to be well written.
Classics which stand the test of time present universal values and morals, because only the objective morals and values withstand the whims and fashions that change from age to age, era to era, generation to generation.
All the best on your paper!
2007-04-14 10:02:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The lion the witch and the cloth cabinet is a parable. It mirrors the life of Jesus. genuinely, C.S. Lewis requested himself 'what if there replaced into an option truth the position Jesus replaced right into a lion?' in case you evaluate the tale with the tale of jesus, you'll see they're truly similar. note how the lion dies, is sacrficed, and is resurrected?
2016-12-04 01:02:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It used to be far more than it is today. When Christianity was more acceptable in schools and universities decades ago, then this novel was definitely part of the canon. Today it is not because someone finally figured out that Aslan is Christ, the pure, voluntary sacrifice who rises from the dead in a glorified body, and therefore it was removed. Weird logic there, but that's the way societies go.
2007-04-14 09:45:21 · answer #3 · answered by John B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be considered a fantasy classic, but probably not part of the Western canon, which implies a richer quality of work than is WARDROBE.
2007-04-14 09:44:39 · answer #4 · answered by Tony 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure it's a classic, but to make sure, ask your teacher/professor. Those books are wonderful, so good for you for exploring the metaphoric reasons to them, but as far as the canon meanings.....I'm afraid I'm useless, except as a cheerleader.....btw,,,go, fight,,,,,read those books!! l o l
2007-04-14 09:43:07 · answer #5 · answered by kaliroadrager 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harold Bloom (bless his superior attitude) IS the acknowledged authority on what the "Western Canon" is.
2007-04-14 10:37:45 · answer #6 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unsure, but i hear tell that it's a really awesome book.
2007-04-14 09:43:54 · answer #7 · answered by endless mike 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋