Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
135
https://eipublication.com/index.php/jsshrf
TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
135-137
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
26 October 2024
ACCEPTED
30 December 2024
PUBLISHED
30 January 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue01 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
From Classics to
Modernity: Perspectives
on The Literary Canon
Namaz Mamasalievich Karimov
Senior lecturer, Jizzakh State Pedagogical University, Uzbekistan
Zulfiya Оdiljanovna Karimova
Senior lecturer, Jizzakh State Pedagogical University, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This article examines the transformations of
the literary canon from classical works to contemporary
texts. The author analyzes how the perception and
evaluation criteria of literature change depending on
cultural and social contexts, as well as the influence of
new literary movements on the understanding of
classical works. Special attention is given to the
relevance of classic literature in the modern world, its
ability to captivate new generations of readers, and its
role in shaping literary taste.
Keywords:
Perception, classics, moral responsibility,
new authors, relevance, media format, platform.
Introduction:
Classic literature has always held a
prominent place in humanity’s cultural heritage and has
formed the foundation of literary norms. However, in
the 21st century, the perception of classics and their
role in modern literature have significantly changed.
Along with social transformations, new authors and
themes have emerged, and the canon continues to
evolve, raising important questions about its inclusivity
and relevance.
Modern writers, inspired by classical works, tend to
critically analyze them and explore how classical texts
support or challenge traditional norms and
perspectives. They take a balanced approach to
characters, plots, and themes, often highlighting
cultural and historical "blind spots." For example, while
classical tragedies focus on themes of betrayal and fate,
contemporary writers examine the influence of social
media on personal relationships and the complexities
Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
of identity in a multicultural society. Such works
generate a new wave of interpretations, including
contemporary debates on feminism, racial justice, and
environmental issues.
New media formats, such as podcasts and self-
publishing platforms, not only expand access to
classical works but also foster interdisciplinary
discussions about literature. This allows writers to
incorporate classic themes and motifs into new
contexts, creating a more inclusive and representative
literary space. A crucial aspect of this process is that
classical works serve as a platform for experimentation,
enabling modern writers to engage freely with texts,
rework, or adapt them to contemporary demands.
This interaction not only keeps classical works alive but
also helps young people connect more deeply with
their literary heritage through new interpretations.
Thus, classic literature remains not only a source of
inspiration but also a significant element in discussions
on culture, identity, and social change. This multi-
layered approach to classics highlights their enduring
influence on the present and opens new horizons for
understanding the evolution of cultural identity and
literary norms.
Changes in the perception of classic literature can be
examined through the classic works of authors such as
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Lev Tolstoy, William Shakespeare
and Jane Austen, which have long been indicators of
artistic excellence and a deep understanding of human
nature. Although their works are considered iconic, in
the contemporary context they are sometimes
perceived as outdated or insufficiently diverse.
For instance, Dostoevsky’s «The Idiot» explores inner
turmoil and moral responsibility, while Jane Austen’s
«Pride and Prejudice» analyzes social status and
relationships.
With each new generation of readers, classical
literature is reinterpreted. Postcolonial and feminist
criticism, as well as a move toward broader
representation, open new perspectives for interpreting
classical texts, emphasizing their polyphony and diverse
meanings.
The reaction of 21st century writers to classical works
can be seen not only as a continuation of tradition but
also as a critique that rethinks the legacy of the classics.
Their work covers a wide range of themes and genres,
often focusing on pressing social and political issues.
Drawing
inspiration
from
classical
literature,
contemporary writers critically analyze it and explore
how classical texts uphold or challenge traditional
norms and perspectives. This is achieved through a
thoughtful approach to characters, plots, and themes,
often highlighting cultural and historical "blind spots."
For example, just as classical tragedies address themes
of betrayal and fate, contemporary writers explore the
impact of social media on personal relationships and
the complex questions of identity in a multicultural
society. This literary evolution sparks new waves of
interpretation, engaging with modern discussions on
feminism, racial justice, and the climate crisis.
Additionally, new media formats such as podcasts and
self-publishing platforms allow authors to experiment
with formats and reach diverse audiences. This expands
access to classical works and encourages discussions
about their significance in the modern world. Through
critical reinterpretation and adaptation, classics
continue to thrive and exert a significant influence on
contemporary literature.
This process of revival and reinterpretation
underscores the importance of classical literature not
only as historical heritage but also as a powerful tool for
analyzing and understanding the modern world.
Examples of Contemporary Writers Engaging with
Classics
Haruki Murakami, «Kafka on the Shore»
–
A novel that
intertwines themes of magical realism, identity search,
and the contradictions of perceiving reality. Murakami
often revisits classical themes and forms to create new
worlds that reflect the complexities of our time.
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter series
–
Rowling seamlessly
integrates her novels into the tradition of world
literature, from ancient classics, which she studied at
Exeter University, to British literary heritage. The
cultural magic lies in how the connections between
Geoffrey Chaucer and *The Song of the Nibelungs* and
*Harry Potter* work in both directions, making classical
texts more engaging after reading the *Harry Potter*
series.
Jonathan Franzen, «The Corrections»
–
If this were the
19th century, this novel would be akin to those of
Charles Dickens or Leo Tolstoy. Today, *The
Corrections* holds that place, as Franzen breathes new
life into the great American novel, replacing the epic of
a he
ro’s grand dream with a story of ordinary people
navigating life’s circumstances.
When discussing the role of classics in the modern
literary landscape, it is clear that classical literature
remains vital in education and cultural life, though it is
now being reinterpreted. Classics serve not only as a
foundation for analysis but also as an essential source
of inspiration for contemporary writers, helping them
reflect on personal experiences and relevant themes.
Modern authors frequently draw on classical motifs
and reimagine them in the context of new social and
Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
137
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
cultural realities. This is evident in their use of classical
themes to highlight contemporary issues such as
identity, social inequality, and ecology.
Moreover, as technology and media formats evolve,
classics adapt to new platforms, reaching a wider
audience. Screen adaptations, theater productions, and
even graphic novels breathe new life into past works,
making them more accessible and relevant for younger
generations.
Thus, classical literature remains an integral part of the
literary process, evolving and enriching itself through
dialogue with contemporary texts and cultural trends.
This constant exchange between past and present
helps not only to preserve the heritage but also to
reinterpret it for a new generation.
In doing so, important aspects are:
Inclusivity: modern literature strives to incorporate
various cultural and social contexts, broadening the
horizons of classical literature.
Plot Reinterpretation: many contemporary works
adopt classical plots and present them as a
deconstruction of myths associated with past
romanticism.
Intercultural Connections: the globalization of
literature has opened new opportunities for dialogue
between classical and modern works, particularly
between Eastern and Western literary traditions.
The perspectives of the literary canon in the 21st
century require an active reconsideration of the role of
classical literature in contemporary contexts. The
growing interest in inclusivity and diversity, along with
shifting cultural paradigms, changes not only the texts
themselves but also the approaches to their
interpretation. The very concept of the canon
continues to evolve, opening new opportunities for
research and dialogue on the significance of literature
in tod
ay’s world.
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