Summary

When Culler discusses the "paradox of literature," he points out that literature doesn't strictly stick to standard rules. Instead, it pushes beyond its usual limits. This challenges readers to uncover meaning and encourages critics to spotlight the distinctive features of literary works. Poems like Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, Parsley, and The Sea is History exemplify this by employing metaphorical connections, suggesting that there's a relationship between the descriptions in literature and the reader's experience.