Prompt 7

Throughout the book Thomas C. Foster makes it clear that when analyzing a text different people come to different conclusions. Foster states that this ambiguity found in texts allows for readers to have discussions about certain elements found within texts. This can range from elements found within a book’s story such as character motivation or ideologies to the kind of elements Foster discusses in his book. These conversations between readers exposes them to new interpretations and ideas about whatever text they are talking about. They can gain insight on one aspect of the book that they may have overlooked or hear entirely different interpretations of the text. Every reader brings a new perspective to a discussion that is formed by their life experiences. The beauty of this is that through the act of reading people of countless different backgrounds can engage with each other in conversation about the text. This exchanging of ideas is important because it heightens the reader's understanding of a piece of literature. For example, Foster mentions that Moby Dick at the time of its release was not regarded as a some great work of fiction ,but overtime those who had read the story discovered that it held great worth as a piece of literature. By looking into and analyzing ambiguous elements of texts readers can find hidden meanings or messages and come to a more thorough understanding of a piece of literature which they can then carry those ideas into their lives to share with others. This concept of sharing knowledge is what makes ambiguity an important element of any literary work.