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Why has the idea of a Western literary canon been controversial?

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Antique book open to the frontispiece of The Iliad of Homer, showing the title and an engraved portrait of a bearded man, with old books in the background. — literature *The Iliad*, an epic of the Trojan War attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is considered a foundational work of Western literature.

The concept of a Western literary canon—a collection of "great works" deemed essential for study—has become a subject of significant controversy within the field of literature.

The primary criticism stems from the historical composition of this canon, which has traditionally been dominated by works authored by white European men. This lack of diversity has ignited intense debates regarding the systemic exclusion of various voices and perspectives, particularly those from marginalized groups.1

Furthermore, the controversy challenges the very standards used to evaluate literary merit. Critics argue that the criteria for what constitutes a "great" work are not neutral but are instead shaped by specific cultural and historical biases. Consequently, the canon is viewed by many as a reflection of power dynamics rather than an objective measure of artistic excellence. These debates highlight a fundamental ethical concern: the importance of ensuring that literary study is inclusive and representative of a broader human experience, rather than reinforcing historical inequities through a narrow selection of texts.1