Where or how does ambiguity come into play in a reader's experience? Is ambiguity a roadblock to understanding or appreciating a text? Are the only satisfying outcomes definite? Discuss your thoughts.
It all depends on how ambiguity is used. When used as a tactic, it has the potential to bloom into a powerful story that pulls you into the plot. Quite often writers will use it to their advantage because, as humans, our minds constantly generate alternate scenarios when reading. (Well, at least for me it does.) As I was saying, ambiguity is a powerful tool to a powerful writer. However, when a struggling writer uses ambiguity as a scapegoat, it doesn't add to the power of the writing. Instead, it takes away from the power because the reader can be confused by the vagueness provided. That, for me, is when it becomes a roadblock in understanding and appreciating a quality text.
As far as satisfying endings go, it really depends on the book as to whether it can be an ambiguous ending or not. For example, if a book were to be the beginning of a series and it ended in a cliffhanger that would be totally acceptable. That type of ending would allow your mind to run wild with ideas while you wait for the next book. That's when I like the ending to be indefinite. Now, if a book ended in the middle of a sentence and there were no promises of a second book to follow, that would just send me into a fit of rage. Don't get me wrong, I like to draw my own endings, but I like to have a definite ending to compare it to sometimes.
It all depends on how ambiguity is used. When used as a tactic, it has the potential to bloom into a powerful story that pulls you into the plot. Quite often writers will use it to their advantage because, as humans, our minds constantly generate alternate scenarios when reading. (Well, at least for me it does.) As I was saying, ambiguity is a powerful tool to a powerful writer. However, when a struggling writer uses ambiguity as a scapegoat, it doesn't add to the power of the writing. Instead, it takes away from the power because the reader can be confused by the vagueness provided. That, for me, is when it becomes a roadblock in understanding and appreciating a quality text.
ReplyDeleteAs far as satisfying endings go, it really depends on the book as to whether it can be an ambiguous ending or not. For example, if a book were to be the beginning of a series and it ended in a cliffhanger that would be totally acceptable. That type of ending would allow your mind to run wild with ideas while you wait for the next book. That's when I like the ending to be indefinite. Now, if a book ended in the middle of a sentence and there were no promises of a second book to follow, that would just send me into a fit of rage. Don't get me wrong, I like to draw my own endings, but I like to have a definite ending to compare it to sometimes.