Question

Rushdie writes that to set up a category called "commonwealth literature" is to do what to the category of "English literature"?

a) Relegate it to obscurity.
b) Expand its reach and influence.
c) Erase its history and significance.
d) Preserve it for future generations.

Answer 1

Creating a "commonwealth literature" category is perceived to expand the influence of "English literature" by including diverse voices and making the literary canon more inclusive, reflecting various postcolonial experiences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rushdie's stance on creating a category called "commonwealth literature" suggests that it could potentially expand the reach and influence of "English literature" by incorporating a wider array of voices from various backgrounds. Rather than relegating English literature to obscurity, eliminating its history and significance, or preserving it unchanged for future generations.

This conceptual expansion allows for a more inclusive canon that reflects the diverse realities and experiences of formerly colonized countries, as seen in postcolonial literature. Furthermore, setting up new categories can invite readers and scholars to explore the literary contributions of diverse cultures that have been underrepresented or marginalized within the traditional literary canon.

Literature is being seen increasingly as a spectrum, and the study of literature today is exciting because it is more inclusive, allowing voices that have been historically excluded to add to the richness of the canon.