When your professor says “canon literature,” they are referring to the body of work that is considered to be the standard or most important in a given field or genre. The term “canon” comes from the word “canonical,” which means “of or relating to a list of sacred books.” In other words, the canon is the body of work that is considered essential for students of a particular subject to study.
There are a few different ways to think about the canon. One is that the canon is a list of works that are considered to be the best of the best. This is often how the term is used in popular culture. For example, you might say that the Harry Potter books are part of the canon of children’s literature. Another way to think about the canon is that it is a body of work that is essential to a particular field or genre. For example, in English literature, the canon might include works by William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens.
The canon is always changing, as new works are written and old ones are forgotten. What is considered to be canon also varies depending on who you ask. For example, a literature professor might have a different canon than a history professor.
So, when your professor says “canon literature,” they are referring to the body of work that is considered to be the most important or essential in a given field or genre.
Other related questions:
What is the meaning of canon in literature?
The word “canon” is often used in reference to a body of works that are considered to be the most important or influential in a particular field or genre. In literature, the canon typically refers to the works that are considered to be the most essential or important to study.
What is an academic canon?
The academic canon is a set of texts that are considered essential reading in a particular field of study. The canon typically includes works by the most influential and respected scholars in the field, and is often used as a starting point for students entering the field.
Why is canon literature important?
Canon literature is important because it represents the official story of a particular fictional universe. It can provide background information on the characters and setting, and can help to establish the rules that govern the universe. Additionally, canon literature can be used as a reference point for fan fiction and other derivative works.
What is the canon of world literature?
There is no one “canon” of world literature, as different cultures and literary critics have different opinions about what works should be included. However, some of the most commonly cited works of world literature include Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Shakespeare’s plays, and Goethe’s Faust.