The Western Canon does not exist in order to augment preexisting societal elites. It is there to be read by you and by strangers, so that you and those you will never meet can encounter authentic aesthetic power and the authority of what Baudelaire {and Erich Auerbach after him} called "aesthetic dignity." One
In Harold Bloom's "The Western Canon," the author argues that the canon of Western literature is not merely a tool for supporting existing societal elites. Instead, it serves a broader purpose, inviting all readers, including those who will remain unfamiliar to us, to engage with profound artistic experiences. Bloom emphasizes that literature possesses a unique ability to convey aesthetic power.
This encounter with literature is framed as a means to connect with the "aesthetic dignity," a concept highlighted by Baudelaire and further examined by Erich Auerbach. Bloom advocates that the Western Canon is essential for enriching individuals' lives and facilitating a shared appreciation of the artistic achievements that define our cultural heritage.
