Conclusion

Abstract

The conclusion offers a theory of literariness based on the “dream of communication” discussed in this study. The conclusion goes on to discuss Walter J. Ong’s critique of the “media model” of communication, Roman Jakobson’s definition of poetic communication, and Jonathan Culler’s idea of “literary competence.” Responding to these other theories, this chapter ultimately recommends a new kind of literary competence for today, one that would include a sensitivity to the different forms of verbal communication in our media-saturated environment.