Prompt #7

Ambiguity, in regards to the reader's experience, is used to peak the interest of the reader and inspire them to further question the matters at hand and bring deeper meaning to a literary work; for example, a reader may wonder "What else is there to learn about this character?", driving them to more critically read the text for further analysis. In a piece of literature, ambiguity can be a tool to set up pieces of the plot in advance – whether it be an opportunity for a character to later deliver a backstory, or shrouding details to create mystery. It is purposely used by authors to create intricate and interesting writing by allowing for many conflicting ideas to coexist in the reader's mind. The impact of this ambiguity allows for readers to grow and prosper their own interpretations of the text, and by doing so let them feel more connected to it.

Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 1, 2017 at 7:19 PM

    I agree with your statements that ambiguity can be used to set up plot pieces or provide mystery, but it can also be unintentionally added within the story. Foster gives plenty of examples where something or someone within a story symbolize something outside of the story. Ambiguity can result in readers concluding that there is some hidden meaning to be found, but what that hidden meaning is will vary depending on who you ask. These aspects of ambiguity also support your claim that ambiguity lets readers feel more connected to the text because every reader can find some hidden message or meaning that means something special to them.


    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