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How do literary journals influence the literary canon?

Rita Mackness

Well, well, well, the literary canon, huh? What a topic! As a book lover and social media enthusiast, I'm all in for discussing how literary journals influence this intriguing subject.

First things first, for those who don't know, a literary canon is a list of books that are considered to be the utmost and finest literary works in a certain period, language, or culture. It's basically like a VIP area for books.

Now, let's talk about literary journals. These little fellows are publications that focus on creative writing, literary criticism, and cultural commentary. They publish fiction, poetry, and essays written by authors from all around the world, from aspiring ones to well-known ones.

So, how do these journals influence the literary canon? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Journals play a crucial role in shaping the canon by discovering, publishing, and promoting emerging writers who might not have been noticed otherwise. Think about it. If it wasn't for literary journals, we wouldn't have discovered many of our favorite authors such as Sylvia Plath, Ernest Hemingway, and Toni Morrison.

In addition to showcasing emerging writers, literary journals also publish experimental and avant-garde writing that can challenge the norms and push the boundaries of the literary canon. These publications give voice to diverse perspectives, styles, and themes that might not have been appreciated or even recognized by the mainstream literary scene.

But journals don't only introduce new writers and trends to the literary canon. They also provide insightful criticism and analysis of well-established works and authors. Through book reviews, interviews, and essays, literary journals can influence how we perceive and value particular works and authors in the canon. So, in a way, journals can shift the power and hierarchy of the literary canon by destabilizing the stranglehold of some works or authors and elevating others.

In conclusion, literary journals are like matchmakers between emerging writers and the literary canon. They nurture new talents, promote diversity and experimentation, and challenge the status quo. Without them, the canon would be incomplete and stagnant. So, hats off to all the literary journals out there for keeping the literary scene dynamic and inspiring!