As time goes by, society has grown to accept diversity and inclusion more than before.
There remains a certain population which still faces prejudice for their identity. This group includes LGBTQ+ individuals who have been historically silenced due to censorship and lack of voice. The classic literary canon is an example of such exclusion, wherein queer experience was either misrepresented or completely absent from canonical works. This essay will discuss how institutional academics are shifting this mythology, what might be the status of queer literature in the future when representation is complete, and provide some real-life examples that illustrate the current state of affairs.
The classic literary canon was written by men of European descent who lived during the Victorian era. These authors wrote about heteronormative experiences, which were considered the norm at the time. As a result, there was no space for any other kind of sexual orientation in these works.
"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë features a romance between Cathy and Heathcliff, but it's never explicitly stated whether they were gay or straight. Similarly, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte also hints towards a homosexual relationship between Jane and Rochester but doesn't confirm it. In fact, all major characters in both novels identify as heterosexuals.
Institutional academics have started to question the validity of this exclusionary approach and are working towards shifting the narrative. They argue that the absence of queer experience from the literary canon has led to its misrepresentation and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
In "Pride and Prejudice", Elizabeth Bennet falls in love with Mr. Darcy despite his flaws because she finds him attractive. This reinforces the idea that women should only marry men who meet their standards and ignores the possibility of female same-sex relationships.
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals in canonical works often depicts them as villains or sexually deviant beings. The lack of positive representation has contributed to the stigma surrounding queer identity.
In the year 2070 when representation is complete, we can expect a drastic change in the status of queer literature. With more visibility and recognition, there will be greater opportunities for LGBTQ+ authors to tell their stories and express themselves authentically. The literary canon will become inclusive and representative, reflecting the diversity of human experience. Queer characters will no longer be relegated to the fringes but will occupy center stage. There will be fewer instances where sexual orientation is used as a plot device, and instead, these identities will be seen as part of a person's whole being.
Real life examples support this assertion. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of LGBTQ+ books published by major publishers like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins. Authors like Tracy Chevalier and Colm Toibin have written novels about homosexual relationships. Even pop culture phenomena like "The Hunger Games" and "Euphoria" feature queer storylines that resonate with audiences across the globe. Moreover, Netflix has released shows such as "Sex Education" which features queer teenagers navigating through school while exploring their sexuality. These real-life examples show that society is gradually embracing queerness and making space for it in mainstream entertainment.
The classic literary canon excluded or misrepresented queer experiences, institutional academics are shifting that mythology, and we can expect a positive future when representation is complete. With increased awareness and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations, literature will reflect these differences and provide a more accurate portrayal of human nature.