Prompt 7 * Warning there are spoilers in this blog post to the book, " The Awakening" *


Ambiguity comes into play in a reader's experience when the reader stumbles upon something that is open to more than one interpretation whether that be in a book, play, or document that does not clearly state one specific meaning of a phrase, sentence, or passage. Ambiguity could be the author describing the ending to a book but leaves out the details of what happens next. An example would be in the book The Awakening, the main character dies at the end but it is unclear whether it is intentional or the fault of the strong tides. In this case the author leaves it up for the reader to decide based on behavior throughout the book the the reader's own opinions. Within paintings and other abstract types of art ambiguity is constantly shown. In the painting, Starry Night many believe that van Gogh was in a mental hospital when drawing this and that he did not really see this in the sky because he was going insane. Other say that Starry Night was painted because that is what van Gogh wised was in the sky.  Ambiguity impacts the way we interpret the text when it is left up to us to decide. I would conclude that most readers do not like ambiguity within text and do not appreciate the author's choice of any ambiguity only because we live in a world where everything has a right and wrong answer and we are so used to everything being one way and precise, but with ambiguity the possibilities are endless.

Comments

  1. Mary Madeline GouldJuly 24, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    As a person who usually prefers black and white answers I completely understand your point. After reading "The Stranger" this summer, I came up with multiple theories to explain why Albert Camus wrote the story. Because my mother had read the book previously, I asked for her opinion. She however, could not provide a solid answer having also discovered many potential purposes among the text. After reading Foster’s concepts I learned that ambiguity should not be something that confuses me, for it is an important role in literature. If everyone had the same reading experience and came to the same conclusions, reading and writing would be significantly less meaningful and entertaining.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 25, 2017 at 4:02 PM

    The connection between painting and literature was beneficial because it connected an art form I can clearly see to one that requires reading. I enjoy reading all the blog post about different connections everyone is making to their own unique type of art, but I enjoyed how you explained how and why Starry Night is interpreted differently. It connects to ambiguity well because the painting represents two viewpoints most likely formed from personal experience and outlook on life. It is interesting to point out how many individuals dislike not having a clear answer. As a perfectionist, I moved to get the correct and for the most part it is what drives me to complete the work. I also think, however, I want to feel like my own personal connection to the story is correct because it will validate my experiences and how I see the world around me. Since reading is such a personal experience, I think readers cling to their own meanings and want them to be correct. A part of what makes reading and class so exciting is the discussion of the ambiguity in text is the passion connecting the reader to the text.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJuly 28, 2017 at 1:23 PM

    Jaiden,
    The way you brought in Van Gogh’s Starry Night and linked it to ambiguity blew my mins. In Latin III last year we would have there “cave moments,” which are kind of similar to the “living under a rock” moments, only more philosophical. Anyways, I just had one of those moments. I have a difficulty in interpreting drawings and paintings, so seeing your connection just helped me. As you said, ambiguity does impact our interpretations, and without it, there is no black hole filled with endless possibilities.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Writer Reader Connection (Prompt Four)

Selecting a book written by an author, who is unknown to the reader, is much like attending a blind date. The reader gains a first impression after methodically studying the cover of the novel, much like two individuals who meet for the first time. Both parties are aware that there is a chance the hours of preparation before the date were for naught, and no lasting connection will be created. The chemistry will be quickly noticed wither within the first ten minutes or one hundred pages. Once a connection is sparked it will be difficult to suppress and the first date will turn into dozens, in turn creating a metaphorical series. Then two series later and a shelf or drawer, must be cleared to place the newly collected items brought by a partner the reader never expected to have. This hypothetical situation of a blind date proves that the link between the reader and writer is necessary, and intimate. It is one that cannot be explained to another individual without car...
Read more

One Big Story

When Thomas C. Foster says, "writing and telling belong to one big story", he means that writers are influenced by what they have read and experienced and their works are reflections of that. There are many patterns in reading such as same settings throughout different stories or same plot with different characters. Foster also says, "stories grow out of other stories, poems out of other poems" (Foster 28), meaning that writers just add onto this one big story with their own twist. There are no original works because it is all one story. This idea adds to the richness of reading because if all stories are a part of one big story, then the connections between texts are easier to see once the concept is understood. The story has a new, deeper meaning if this idea is applied because it allows the reader to dig deeper into connecting stories to other stories. The plot of one story may connect to the reader more if the reader starts to look at the little things in the p...
Read more

Prompt two: King Solomon

Foster is exactly right when he says that all the writing is one big story. It's just like what king Solomon said, but why then, is it possible for us to keep revisiting the older texts year after year? The answer is two-fold and is present in the first chapter of this book. His students are all flabbergasted by his suggestion about the devil. This shows that all writings are connected through different allusions and references which he draws upon when he refers to the various Faust stories. A similar trope is present in books by J.R. Tolkien or C.S.Lewis. They both were devout Christians who included religious themes in their books. Additionally, the old texts can be repeatedly drawn upon and viewed in new ways. These different interpretations are the result of different experiences and lifestyles that cast some characters in different lights for different people. Considering that the prompt asks about art in general, I feel like the album cover for the Coldplay song Viva ...
Read more