Online Task 2

For online task 2, we are looking at marginalised literature. Marginalised means sidelined, oppressed to a certain extent for some group and worse for the other groups, and this applies to areas outside literature. It is through literature that those from the marginalised groups find their voice, to speak of their dissatisfaction especially about their oppressed rights.

The topic is divided into two marginalised groups:

Women

Ethnic Minority groups

Marginalised writings are from writers who come from minority groups. When certain works are being marginalised, that means they are not included in the mainstream readings for literature. Works that are being taught and included in the syllabus are works from the CANON. So what is a literary canon?

A literary canon is

- the recogised/approved body of literature

- a yardstick to ascertain if certain work is said to measure up to the idea of literature

- developed to answer questions of which books to teach to the growing number of lit. students and teachers

- an autoritative list, it implies official status for the writers involved


To be entered into a canon is to gain priviledges as it confers social, political and economic status to those chosen (in the 19th century). Canonisation permits the member of the canon to be widely read and exist in the literary circles. Now, who are in the literary circle? Who are the gate keepers who choose certain works over others to be in the canon?

It is known that critics of the canon say that those whose works are in the canon are DEAD WHITE MALES.

One easy example would be Shakespeare. I'm sure you can name more famous literary figures who are DWM. A handout will be scanned and email tomorrow (hopefully- only additional info)

So who are the gatekeepers of this canon?

They are people at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. They are professors, influential critics (white males- not necessarily dead yet). The writings chosen revealed, asserted and reinforced values of the canon makers (who are people from the middle class and higher). Writings of women are very few. George Eliot, a victorian writer whose name is Mary Anne adopted that male name to get herself published.

Feminists, marxists (literary critic groups) argued that works that are in the canon are not necessarily better than others but reflected the interest of the dominant culture.

Other marginalised groups - coloured people, gay, lesbians.

Today, there have been changes in the canon as time goes by. Also, more canons from different groups are emerging.

"Any 'canon' or literary syllabus will represent writings of a particular value for a particular group with particular purposes at a particular point in time" (Eagleton 1996)

- different measuring rods are used

- the voices of the non-DWM are heard i.e. people of minority cultures like native Americans, African Americans, Latinos etc

To conclude, some works like Shakespeare (I love him) have measured up so long that they probably will always be valued and be part of the canon. Some other works may fade away because later generations may find it dated, uninteresting and unexciting.

A question for you:

Do we have a canon for Malaysian literary works? Let's say we do, who do you think are in it? Consider the fact that their works are well-known and most importantly included as part of the school syllabus- (both in BM and English)

The poems by Erica Jong raises some feminist issues. What are they?

Do you think they are suitable to teach at the secondary school level? Explain.

Is Hillary Tham's poem more suitable?

The short tale from the Native American group is about a girl who is unsatisfied with her life. How is this a universal experience? Can it teach our students anything?

From internet sources find out more about Langston Hughes.

From your findings about his background, tell me about the dilemma he conveys through the poem CROSS.

I find "Dinner Guest: Me" laden with irony and sarcasm. Briefly state if you feel the same.

The experience in the poem Harlem is one that is true for many people. Do you agree?

Langston Hughes fights for the voice of his people. What is the movement called?

Copy paste this task as an entry on your blog with answers.