I had envisioned the literary canon as a fixed list of literature that could only be added to, not removed. I was mistaken. During my research, it became clear that the works included in the Western Canon are not fixed; the importance of some pieces diminishes, while others, which might have been overlooked, come to the fore as time progresses and perspectives evolve. I believe everything is relative and it seems to be true when it comes to the literary canon. As our society transforms, so do our beliefs and values. Therefore, the things we as a people consider a big change and are relative to what we are experiencing at any given time. I began to wonder what exactly the criteria were for a piece of literature to be included in the canon. The only actual list I found was from Clemson University's course notes, and it included some of the same criteria mentioned in our assignment. The list of criteria for Clemson's grades was: "authenticity, universality, meaningful subject matter, and aesthetic criteria, which include innovative and complex use of language and form." (http://virtual.clemson.edu/caah/women/flc436/notescanon.html) I also believe that for a work to be considered remarkable, it must arouse immense emotion, create an intense reaction in its reader. Even though a literary work may have perfect form and innovative language and style, I don't think it should be considered great if it lacks passion. Poetry is perhaps the most difficult form of literature to examine, at least for me. After reading some of the poems assigned to us this semester, I was left completely confused, not only about the author's purpose, but also about the relevance and importance of the poem; None...... middle of paper ......du/caah/women/flc436/notescanon.html>."William Carlos Williams." Poets.org - Poetry, poems, biographies and more. Internet. April 25, 2011."A Brief Guide to Imagism." Poets.org - Poetry, poems, biographies and more. Internet. April 25, 2011..Press., Cambridge University and Christopher J. MacGowan. "On "The Great Figure"" Welcome to English « Department of English, College of LAS, University of Illinois. Internet. April 25, 2011. .Gleason, Jessica. "William Carlos Williams: This is just to say: an understanding and analysis of the Imagist style | Suite101.com." Suite101.com: online magazine and writers' network. Internet. April 25, 2011.williams-this-is-just-to-say-a59432>.