Where or how does ambiguity come into play in a reader's experience? How might ambiguity work within a piece of literature (or art of any kind?) How does it impact our understanding, and appreciation of a text?
A good deal of ambiguity is needed when a reader is attempting to explore the vast meanings and ideas of a text. Specifically, the idea of being open and accepting that there are many interpretations when it comes to a piece of writing is most important when looking at symbols. Foster moves to say that ambiguity often surrounds the idea of symbols because “Symbols, though, generally don’t work so neatly. The thing referred to is likely not reducible to a single statement but will more probably involve a range of possible meanings and interpretations” (105). For example, Foster explores the use of a cave in A Passage to India, but ultimately concludes that caves have been used to represent so many different ideas and meanings that it can almost always mean whatever a reader believes it to mean. Because each individual reader brings his or her own background and perspective to a piece of literature, often times he or she will perceive an action or symbol differently than someone else. Hence why the idea of ambiguity is important. Because each person has their own ideas, the concept of ambiguity gives a text more layers and chance for deeper meanings because we as readers know that a symbol often does not stand for just one thing. This brings a certain amount of complexity to the text because readers then have to use a great deal of questioning and discussing to figure out a symbol’s possible meanings. Readers in turn are able to appreciate and become more involved into a text because a symbol’s meaning(s) often are not simply laying on the surface, and it does not just mean one thing. It forces readers to “think outside of the box” and accept the notion that everything is not what it seems.
At first glance, I had no clue how to address this prompt. But reading your response on it, I understand it more than I had before. I love that you used the example of caves because it stood out to me so much. The idea that something as simple as a cave could be interpreted and perceived in such a wide variety of ways honestly baffles me. Symbolism is one of my favorite aspects of literature for this exact reason. It is the idea of taking something so simple, such as a pencil, and using it to connect with readers on a completely different and personal level than without the symbolism. Readers are, like you said, forced to think outside the box, and explore the text in a new and fascinating way. This deepens the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the text.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you just said. Number seven was one of my favorite prompts to think about because I feel as though I do typically have the tendency to want to add different meanings to things. The example that you mentioned as to where Foster explores the "many different ideas and meanings to a cave" really helped me to understand the concept even more now, as opposed to whenever I first read about it. Overall, number seven was a great prompt, and I respect that you chose to write about it. It is one that can truly get someone to think about literature.
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