Classic Literary Genres and the Canonization of Literary Genres

This paper explores the historical process during which Chinese classic literary genres of poetry and prose are canonized. The paper maintains that the identification and support from the mainstream culture is the most important among the various factors contributing to the canonization of the genres of poetry and prose. The values promoted by the mainstream culture points to the directions of literary creation and criticism and allows for the space for the poetry and literary prose to develop. As a result, genres, subjected to the influence from mainstream culture, have no choice but accept the values supported by the mainstream culture so as to be recognized to be orthodox.