Here’s a few more readings on the canon, the debate surrounding it, and how we define literature:
“Revisiting the Canon Wars”: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/books/review/Donadio-t.html
“The Use and Abuse of Literature” (excerpt): http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/books/review/excerpt-the-use-and-abuse-of-literature-by-marjorie-garber.html?ref=review
What’s your take?