Harold Bloom argues in "The Western Canon" that defending the significant works of Western literature is no longer a role that can be fulfilled by major institutions. He suggests that these institutions, which traditionally upheld and promoted such literature, now struggle to engage with or advocate for these texts as they once did.

Despite the challenges faced by these learned institutions, Bloom acknowledges the difficulty of envisioning how they can function effectively without the foundational literature that has shaped their identity and mission. This raises questions about the future of literary study and the appreciation of canonical works in contemporary education.