AMBIGUITY

CCSS: RL 11-12.1

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to determine where the text

leaves matters uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

v Identify, cite, and summarize two points in chapter 10 of

The Scarlet Letter where the events are ambiguous (unclear).

AMBIGUITY/AMBIGUOUS

v A statement that has two or more meanings (double

meaning).

v A statement where the meaning is unclear (ambiguous).

v The ending of a chapter or story in unclear.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

v  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.

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

them.

v  In your notes, write down something that you’ve seen or read that had

an ambiguous ending.

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

LET’S LOOK AT SOME AMBIGUOUS STATEMENTS

v I had a good time with your girlfriend last night.

v 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…

v The lady hit the man with the umbrella.

v 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…

v Kids make delicious snacks.

v Why it’s ambiguous:

•  Are we eating kids? Or are the kids making snacks that are delicious?

WITH A PARTNER…

v 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…

v Here are a few pictures that demonstrate

ambiguity as well:

ON YOUR OWN…

v 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

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

v  With your group of four, you will re-read the conversation between

Chillingworth and Dimmesdale where they discuss where Chillingworth

finds his herbs.

v  Highlight sentences, phrases, or words that appear to have ambiguity

(more than one meaning).

v  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 SOME MORE

v  With your same groups, re-read the last six paragraphs of chapter 10,

beginning with “’A rare case!’ he muttered.”

v  Highlight sentences, phrases, or words that appear to have ambiguity

(more than one meaning).

v  Discuss with your group, the reason(s) why the ending of this chapter

is ambiguous (unclear).

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

speak.

CLOSURE

v 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?