Ambiguity in literature offers us several conflicting consequences

Ambiguity in literature offers us several conflicting consequences or meanings-and leaves us to sort them out. An ambiguous ending offers us a choice of outcomes.

How many animals do you see?

? e e W a h o d t s u o y

What do you see?

Can you trust this person?

So, optical illusions are fun, but what does this have to do with life (or English class)? • Not everything in life is clear cut. • Sometimes authors purposefully leave the resolution of a story ambiguous; it could go either way. It’s up to you to decide. • This is annoying only if you don’t know it’s coming. • BUT making your own evaluations is a good skill to have.

Determining Motivation There are two sides to every story; so how do you know whom to believe? Step One: Do you have any prejudices or past experiences that are keeping you from being objective? Step Two: What is each speaker’s motivation for saying what he or she says? Step Three: Review and evaluate the evidence Let’s work through a situation together…Read the details of “Situation 1” on your handout.

How many relationships have you had? 1. Past How long has the couple been dating? experiences What experiences have you had with relationships and faithfulness? Unfaithfulness? Why should someone remain 2. Motivation faithful? What motivation is there to cheat, if any? Should people have a definite sense of right and wrong, of hurting others? 3. Evidence Where has the evidence come from? Have you witnessed anything personally, or is it based solely on other people’s accounts?