Ambiguity

AMBIGUITY

CCSS: RL 11-12.1

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to determine where the text leaves matters

uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

Identify, cite, and summarize two points in chapter 10 of The Scarlet Letter where the events are ambiguous (unclear).

AMBIGUITY/AMBIGUOUS

A statement that has two or more meanings (double meaning).

A statement where the meaning is unclear (ambiguous).

The ending of a chapter or story in unclear.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Think of a story (any form: novel, film, TV show, poem, play) that you have experiences where the ending was unclear. Here are some examples: The Giver, The Dark Night Rises, Shutter Island, Memento, Inception, Cather in the Rye, etc.

You can certainly use any of those examples, but are not limited to them.

In your notes, write down something that you’ve seen or read that had an ambiguous ending.

Next, explain WHY the ending was ambiguous (unclear).

LET’S LOOK AT SOME AMBIGUOUS STATEMENTS

I had a good time with your girlfriend last night.

Why it’s ambiguous: • It certainly can have a many

different meanings. • The meaning of what the “good

time” was is certainly not stated either.

ANOTHER…

The lady hit the man with the umbrella.

Why it’s ambiguous:• The meaning is unclear. Did the lady

hit someone with the umbrella or did the man have an umbrella?

AND ANOTHER…

Kids make delicious snacks.

Why it’s ambiguous: • Are we eating kids? Or are the kids

making snacks that are delicious?

WITH A PARTNER…

Take a look at the following newspaper headlines and decide why they are ambiguous (What two interpretations could they have?):

• Prostitutes appeal to pope• Drunk gets nine months in violin case• Lack of brains hinders research• Police alert on stolen drugs• Man accused of killing lawyer receives a new

attorney• Homicide victims rarely talk to police• Dead body found in cemetery

FOR YOU VISUAL PEOPLE…

Here are a few pictures that demonstrate ambiguity as well:

ON YOUR OWN…

Write down the following sentences and explain why they are ambiguous (What two interpretations could they have?):

• They are burning candles.• The parents of the bride and groom were

waiting outside.• Flying planes can be dangerous.

TIME TO APPLY

Take out your copy of chapter 10 of The Scarlet Letter.

With your group of four, you will re-read the conversation between Chillingworth and Dimmesdale where they discuss where Chillingworth finds his herbs.

Highlight sentences, phrases, or words that appear to have ambiguity (more than one meaning).

The goal is to find evidence that shows that Chillingworth is referring to one topic, while Dimmesdale is discussing a different topic.

TIME TO APPLY SO ME MO RE

With your same groups, re-read the last six paragraphs of chapter 10, beginning with “’A rare case!’ he muttered.”

Highlight sentences, phrases, or words that appear to have ambiguity (more than one meaning).

Discuss with your group, the reason(s) why the ending of this chapter is ambiguous (unclear).

In both activities, prepare to share out. Everyone will have a chance to speak.

CLOSURE

On a separate piece of paper, write a short paragraph (about 5 sentences) where you define and explain ambiguity. How can ambiguity be used for good and evil?