Generals always prepare for the previous war
On the new paradigm of Czech literary history
The notion of the canon in Czech literary studies is being challenged by a relativist, postmodern approach to history. Its proponents claim this constitutes a revolution, though literary critic Pavel Janousek is sceptical. Established schemas are predominantly an illusion, he writes: in the Harry Potter era, the canon ceased to be meaningful to anyone other than academics. In railing against the canon, they are like generals preparing for the previous war.
