| "Classic"or/and"Canon",in the last some years since the late 20th century,is the remarkable literary term and concept in literary study. The fact was attributed to, not only the construction of classic/canon which initiated a series of academic issues, but also the internal tension and theoretical inclusion of the term.Restoring its true face of"classic/canon" and arranging evolution of cultural meaning about classic/canon in western literary theory,which would has a very important theoretical value to discuss general literary topics.Firstly, we study the semantic evolution and the cultural connotation about the term of "classic/canon" with question-consciousness. Through the historical investigation to the relation of "words and things", we could find the same connotation between the word "classic" and "canon"even if they are seemingly so different. We think that the historical origination and cultural development of their meaning,whether "classic" or "canon",are inseparable to social mechanism and cultural context. This is why in the dissertation we have used only one Chinese word,that is the “??”, to translate the two english words of "Classic" and "Canon".“??” summarizes these general topics which "classic"and "canon" have indicated their common connotation as literary concept. We insist that "Canonicity" is not a and objective quality of a literary text, but a continuous accumulation and extension of its historic value in the structure of time.So, in the second part,we introduce "the test of time" as a historic structure of evaluating literary text. We think that, time's test isn't a simple mathematical problem to compare the survival time of different texts , but a judgment to their value which was generally valued owing to the capability that it can meet different demand transcending different generations. Our opinion show that a text needs at least three generations, nearly a hundred years, to gain its status of classic/canon. This means that,a text's original connotation and quality which was given in its creating context would gradually, in the historic structure, sublimate as universal value and general attribute. However, the universal quality of a text is a kind of power which can transform into a "present" experience. The stability and change of literary tradition basing on classics is one important dimension to reflect the essence and nature of classic/canon. Further on, the construction of classic or canon formation,in terms of the relation between literary classic/canon and cultural tradition,is a historical process in accordance with the formation and development of cultural tradition. These require us for thinking the historical value about classic/canon in the whole cultural frame via a broader and deeper perspective.Hence, in the next part of the paper, we would think about the historic relation of classic/canon and tradition. As we have seen,as a special system of symbolic sign,literary classics/canon made up not only a unique "variant chain of a literary tradition"but also a core structure of a cultural tradition. Literary classics/canons given the main places for constructing cultural tradition because they are composed by excellent writing. It can be said that the formation of literary classic/canon just is the practice to construct a cultural tradition. This situation is reflected more distinctive in the the era when knowledge has professionally undifferentiated. Through a transformation of related meaning from "literature" to "writing"(word) and then to "tradition",we discuss the isomorphic relationship between the value of classic/canon and cultural traditions.The bibliography included in classic/canon in different time illustrated just the isomorphism relationship with literary experience.Brief investigation to bibliography of classic/canon in different time can better confirmed the symbiotic relationship between classic/canon and the Western cultural tradition. However, the work of simple carding about historical bibliography would bring out a new question and exhibit another kind of mechanism behind classic/canon,that is the structures of power controlling the canon formation. This topic is the next important theoretical dimension about classic which we would argue with historical perspective.Behind the test of time, each classic/canon will inevitably face coding from power.We use the method of symbolic implication in order to find the historical connection between the "poetic" skills of classic/canon and imperial ambitions of power. In the western world, the power of the "empire" realized their "historical presence" by literary language / allegory. Considering Virgil's canonization we clarify the historical relationship between ancient "Rome Empire" and classic/canon.At the same time,through the analysis of the hidden structure of power behind classic/canon.we try to reveal the same relationship between community imagination and construction of the modern nation-state and classic/canon formation.Coming to the last part, we firstly follow the pluralist position to try to carding America contemporary debate on classic/canon,and explore their deconstructive opinion and pluralist appeal of power. Meanwhile, taking into account of pluralist theoretical defects, we introduce the concept of "cultural capital "from Guillory to illustrate another dimension of hiding power under classic texts. Through analysis for institutional role of school organ within political structure, we discover more secrets of "power" in the process of classic/canon construction. Allegory of the imperial power uncovered its veil in a more normalized field.Our simple tracking of the western theory about the concept of "classic/canon"can't give the "problem" of classic/canon a complete solution. The "problems" of Classic/canon will not disappear, the "questions" toward classic/canon,of course, are no end. Classic/canon, with its dual attributes of "problem/question",will bring about more deep thinking on literary topics. |
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