Throughout my exploration of the online magazine Hazlitt, I was shocked to discover an overwhelming amount of content that had little (or in some cases, nothing) to do with the written word. Web readers might watch any number of videos, play countless games, or listen to interviews on podcasts, without even inching towards traditional literature. Although Hazlitt calls themselves a literary magazine, they also identify as a “platform for innovations in digital storytelling." As I scroll the excessively hyper-linked page, I start to wonder where the line is drawn for what should be referred to as "literary."
In modern culture, the definition of literature seems to be stretching all the time. Recently, cartoonist Alison Bechdel rocked the literary world when she won a $625,000 grant for her graphic memoir. I can't decide if I should be ruthlessly jealous or slightly concerned at the flexible definitions of "genius" and "author."
As an avid reader of traditional novels, I harness a healthy appreciation for the written word. But as a blogger myself, I have a cognitive understanding of the need for contemporary art forms and the power of social media. This puts me in a precarious position and I'm still not entirely certain where I stand on the issue. Perhaps the acceptation of innovative art forms will grow the art business and culture in Canada, but there is also the trepidation that traditional literature will be smothered in the upheaval of new writing. I wonder what is really happening to the literary world - are we losing an appreciation for traditional literature, or just gaining respect for other forms of art? Only time will tell...
In modern culture, the definition of literature seems to be stretching all the time. Recently, cartoonist Alison Bechdel rocked the literary world when she won a $625,000 grant for her graphic memoir. I can't decide if I should be ruthlessly jealous or slightly concerned at the flexible definitions of "genius" and "author."
As an avid reader of traditional novels, I harness a healthy appreciation for the written word. But as a blogger myself, I have a cognitive understanding of the need for contemporary art forms and the power of social media. This puts me in a precarious position and I'm still not entirely certain where I stand on the issue. Perhaps the acceptation of innovative art forms will grow the art business and culture in Canada, but there is also the trepidation that traditional literature will be smothered in the upheaval of new writing. I wonder what is really happening to the literary world - are we losing an appreciation for traditional literature, or just gaining respect for other forms of art? Only time will tell...