The canon, in literature, refers to a collection of works considered to be the most important, influential, or representative of a particular time period, genre, or culture. These works are often seen as “classics” that have endured the test of time and hold significant value.
However, the concept of the canon has become increasingly problematic for several reasons:

• Limited Perspective: Traditionally, the canon has been dominated by works written by white men from Europe and North America. This excludes a vast amount of rich literature from other cultures, ethnicities, and genders.
• Subjectivity: The criteria for what makes a work “canonical” are often subjective and reflect the values of the dominant culture. What’s considered important can change over time, raising questions about who gets to decide what’s included.
• Accessibility: The focus on established classics can overshadow more contemporary or lesser-known works that might be equally valuable or even more engaging for modern readers.
• Lack of Diversity: The limited perspective of the canon can lead to a narrow understanding of human experience and can discourage exploration of diverse voices and perspectives in literature.

The call for a more inclusive canon is growing. This means broadening the selection of works to include voices that have been historically marginalized, and considering a wider range of criteria for what makes a work valuable.
Here are some additional points to consider:

• The canon is not static. New works can be added, and old ones can be reevaluated over time.
• There can be multiple canons, reflecting different cultures and perspectives.
• The most important thing is to encourage exploration of a wide range of literature and to find works that resonate with you.