El canon occidental-Harold Bloom/Montserrat Mejia Morelos

Summary

The video discusses Harold Bloom's 'Western Canon', a literary critique published in 1994. Bloom analyzes works of over 26 renowned authors like Shakespeare and Cervantes, creating a list of the greatest literary figures who've shaped history. He challenges traditional and influential concepts, emphasizing the originality of canonical authors beyond their time, free from rules. Bloom criticizes modern approaches like Marxist, feminist, and socialist ideologies for impoverishing literature's aesthetic value. He foresees a societal shift towards a geographic age, with religious and ideological factors re-emerging, potentially changing how literature is valued. He encourages reading the classics to understand the evolution of literature and their cultural significance.

Takeaways

• 📚 Harold Bloom is the author of *The Western Canon*, published in 1994.
• 👥 The book studies works of more than 26 renowned authors, including Shakespeare, Dante, and Cervantes.
• 📝 Bloom created a list of the greatest literary authors who marked key periods in world history.
• 🌍 The book questions concepts of tradition and influence, exploring how writers interact with past literary traditions.
• 🎭 Shakespeare is highlighted as central to defining both the canon and the human condition.
• 🧠 Bloom discusses the 'strangeness' of canonical authors, which refers to their originality and creative freedom.
• 🚫 Bloom criticizes approaches like Marxism, feminism, and socialism for impoverishing the aesthetic appreciation of literature.
• ⏳ He warns that we are transitioning from a democratic age to a 'theocratic' age, driven by ideological and religious forces.
• 📖 Bloom predicts that readers will be forced to explore different types of literature as the canon evolves.
• 📅 In conclusion, the video emphasizes the importance of understanding and reading classic literature, especially for young people, to appreciate its cultural value.

Q & A

Who is Harold Bloom?

Harold Bloom was a literary critic and author, born on July 11, 1930. He is well-known for his book *The Western Canon* published in 1994.

What is *The Western Canon* about?

*The Western Canon* is a literary critique that studies the works of over 26 renowned authors, including Shakespeare and Cervantes, and evaluates their significance in shaping literary traditions.

What does Harold Bloom mean by 'anxiety of influence'?

The 'anxiety of influence' is a concept where Bloom explains literary creation as a relationship between writers, where newer authors are influenced by the tradition set by earlier ones, leading to both inspiration and tension in their works.

Why does Harold Bloom focus heavily on Shakespeare in his works?

Harold Bloom emphasizes Shakespeare because he believes that Shakespeare not only defines the Western literary canon but also shapes the understanding of human nature and conditions through his works.

What is the 'strangeness' Bloom refers to in canonical authors?

According to Bloom, 'strangeness' refers to the originality of canonical authors. It is their ability to create works that transcend their time, breaking free of conventional rules and expressing pure artistic freedom.

Why does Bloom criticize certain ideological perspectives on literature?

Bloom criticizes Marxist, feminist, and socialist interpretations of literature, claiming that these perspectives impoverish the aesthetic value and enjoyment of literature by overemphasizing political or ideological readings.

What is the 'School of Resentment' according to Bloom?

The 'School of Resentment' is a term coined by Bloom to describe certain modern critical movements that, in his view, distort the true aesthetic appreciation of literature by focusing too much on political and ideological content.

What does Bloom predict about the future of literary canon?

Bloom predicts that we are nearing the end of a 'democratic age' in literature, and entering a 'theocratic age' where ideological and religious factors will play a larger role in shaping literary preferences and interpretations.

What is Bloom’s view on the evolution of literature?

Bloom believes that literature has been constantly evolving, influenced by both correct and incorrect concepts. However, he insists that understanding the literature of the past is crucial, as it has shaped the cultural and intellectual heritage of the world.

What advice does the speaker offer regarding reading?

The speaker encourages fostering the habit of reading, suggesting that even reading a single page or spending just an hour a day with a book can enhance one’s knowledge and appreciation for literature.