Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize win divides critics
American singer Bob Dylan who has been hailed as "a great poet in the English-speaking tradition" following his surprise win of the Nobel Prize in Literature. (AAP)
Musicians, politicians and writers have taken to social media to express their elation or disappointment in the Bob Dylan’s landmark Nobel Prize win.
Dylan, 75, was met with a loud and lengthy applause this morning as he was handed the prestigious 2016 Nobel Prize for literature.
The Swedish Academy's permanent secretary Sara Danius said Dylan's songs were "poetry for the ears”.
“We hoped the news would be received with joy, but you never know,” Ms Danius added.
READ MORE: US songwriter Bob Dylan awarded 2016 Nobel Prize for literature
Former US President Bill Clinton offered his “congrats” to the Blowing In The Wind songwriter on Twitter, and praised his “wise, powerful lyrics”.
Others including Kiss frontman Gene Simmons and legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr offered their support.
Others questioned the decision.
New York Times columnist Anna North labelled Dylan’s accolade a “disappointment”.
She went on to argue the literature category should be reserved for writers “who made significant innovation to the form”.
“Dylan does not need a Nobel Prize in Literature, but literature needs a Nobel Prize. This year, it won’t get one,” she concluded.
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