1. Difficulty and Accessibility:
* Intensely Complex Language: *Finnegans Wake* is notoriously difficult to read, employing Joyce's own neologisms, puns, and multi-layered wordplay. This makes the text challenging even for seasoned readers.
* Lack of Conventional Structure: The novel eschews traditional narrative structure, instead relying on a stream-of-consciousness style and fragmented, dreamlike language. This can be disorienting and alienating for some readers.
* Extensive Allusions: Joyce weaves together countless references to mythology, literature, history, and philosophy. This creates an intricate tapestry of meaning that can be overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the relevant context.
2. Subjectivity and Interpretation:
* Open to Multiple Interpretations: Due to its complexity and lack of clear narrative, *Finnegans Wake* allows for a wide range of interpretations. This can be frustrating for readers seeking a definitive meaning or a consistent narrative thread.
* Lack of Universal Appeal: The novel's highly subjective and personal nature may not resonate with all readers. Its dense language and dreamlike imagery may not appeal to those seeking straightforward narratives or clear-cut meanings.
3. Lack of Commercial Success:
* Limited Audience: *Finnegans Wake* has never achieved the widespread popularity of other canonical works, such as *Hamlet* or *Pride and Prejudice*. This can be seen as evidence of its lack of accessibility and universal appeal.
* Challenging for Students: *Finnegans Wake* is often considered too challenging for undergraduate students, making it less likely to be included in university curricula.
4. Historical and Cultural Context:
* Modernist Experimentation: *Finnegans Wake* is a product of modernist experimentation, which some readers find too obscure or avant-garde.
* Elitist Reputation: The novel's complexity and esoteric nature have contributed to a perception of it as a work for a select, intellectually elite audience, further alienating some readers.
In conclusion: While *Finnegans Wake* is undoubtedly a groundbreaking and influential work of literature, its extreme difficulty, subjective nature, and limited audience make it a controversial choice for inclusion in the Western literary canon. However, its unique voice, challenging themes, and innovative approach to language continue to intrigue and inspire readers, ensuring its place in the history of literature.