It all seems apparent now that the reason that we would build on our canons, for the sake of just knowing what it is. However, when coming into the class, it seemed odd to disect it, termed ‘breaking’ the canon. Now I know why we did that.
There are a bunch of respectible writers out there that are not put onto this prestigious honorable list, but now I got to ask myself- who cares? I mean, a few of the books on there because they were meant to be there… they’re good! However, some books just seem like hackneyed repeats on the same themes and established writing that we had went over several times within the class.
For example, I was reading through Sula and I had several people tell me, “I hope you’re reading that for a class!” I think a book should be honored for it’s popularity amongst people who like to read, instead of the professors and ‘distincted’ professionals who want to see ‘if they have relevance to our present day American lives.’ Phooey.
I want to read things that will catch my attention, hold onto me until I’ve turned through every page. I’ve noticed that the book that I read which was non-canonical- H.P. Lovecrafts At the Mountains of Madness- was the most interesting book that I have been read in my entire first year of college! What does that have to say about the other books which are ‘canonical?’
So, I have this class to thank for my new interpretation of the ‘classics’ list, and a respect for some of the books that I have familiarized myself with. Other books I will only reflect on with this- it’s a good thing that they got onto this canon list. Just think about it.
