A “canon” is a tradition of literary works that reflect continuity, a chain of influence, and some shared themes. For instance, in English literature, Chaucer influenced Shakespeare, who later influenced Charles Dickens. Canonized works are believed to have historical, literary, or cultural importance. Each of those authors also dealt with larger themes like social class, individual human traits, and the use and misuse of language, among many other themes.
Some works, such as “Beowulf,” have a disputed place in the canon of English literature. Though it was written on the English isles, it was not discovered until the early 1800s, and its influence on the English literature between Chaucer and Charles Dickens is nonexistent. Other works, like Booth Tarkington’s “The Magnificent Ambersons,” might be cut from the canon because the perceived quality of the works is low.
English departments have redefined how they define literature in the last 30 years. The feminist and New Historicist movements pushed for works that had been dismissed earlier to be taught in English classes. For instance, the English scholar Louis Montrose examined pamphlets and legal documents of the 16th century as works of literature. Additionally, pop music songs and advertisements have been included in English literature syllabi.
The foundation of most English undergraduate majors is still the two-semester British Literature survey course. These courses stretch from Old or Middle English works, such as Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” to contemporary works like Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth.” Since British writers share influences and themes, the works can be compared and contrasted to one another, a useful exercise in undergraduate courses. British literature includes works by Irish, Scottish, and citizens of British colonies.
The category of “English literature” has expanded to include works written by Americans, Africans, Asians, and Europeans outside of England, which were originally composed in English. English departments have reflected this change by altering the name of the department, including Columbia University’s English and Comparative Literature Department and New York University’s Department of English.