1. According to Culler, describe one of the different ways that people define “literature” identified by Culler? How does this definition reflect different perspectives on what literature is and does?

According to Culler, people define literature as a special kind of universal language that is aesthetic and makes you self-reflect with its creativity. Literature gives you freedom to exercise your imagination and think critically outside the box. Literature is about analyzing writing on a bigger scale from different perspectives and internalizing it based on what it means to you. Literature has no practical import. This definition reflects different perspectives because literature makes different people generate their own interpretations and concepts when reading it. These artistic written works may grab a reader’s attention, get an immediate reaction out of them, and have their brain working to decipher the ideas and emotions being explored.

2. Culler argues that literature is a “convention,” meaning that it is something that is created and sustained by social practices. What are some of the ways that literature is a convention? How does this convention shape our understanding of what literature is and does?

Literature is a convention because it shows constant change as time passes and what was considered normal at the time of its publication. We are now in a different time where certain social practices that are normal to us today, were totally unacceptable decades ago and might have resulted in death. What makes literature a convention is its evolution with time using a linguistic and artistic style that reflects on the many challenges faced and transformations in society over time. This helps shape our understanding of what literature is and does for us as readers. 

3. Culler also argues that literature is a “special kind of discourse” What makes literary discourse special? How does it differ from other kinds of discourse, such as scientific or journalistic discourse?

Literary discourse is special because the communication to the reader is delivered in   a clever, vague, and aesthetic way. It can also be perceived in different ways. It often makes you think deeper about the possibility of its multiple meanings and is often more complex. Scientific and journalistic discourse are more straightforward and clear of the information being given to the reader. 

4. What are some of the ways that literature can be used to challenge dominant social norms and values? How can it help us to see the world in new and different ways?

Literature can be used to challenge dominant social norms and values by having its readers be exposed to issues not broadcasted publicly and elaborate on topics that people normally avoid. It teaches us about other perspectives, underlying secrets, different controversies, and helps us envision what life could possibly be. Literature helps us see the world in new ways by opening up our imagination for change, hope, endless possibilities, and new experiences.

5. Why does Culler believe that literature matters? What are some of the benefits that we can derive from reading and studying literature?

Culler believes that literature matters because it gets people thinking and analyzing on a deeper, more critical level. The benefits of reading and studying literature educates us on understanding different types of literary language and creativity, along with the gift of viewing the world from multiple perspectives. It teaches us about the changes in society over time. When reading literature, we now understand to approach the text with an open mind.