Prompt Six: Ambiguity

When children first learn to read they begin by reading books or short stories with pictures and brief descriptions. For example, Dr. Seuss books are commonly read to teach children the skill to read and not the skill to understand the author’s purpose, theme, language, and syntax. As these young readers begin to read more complex literature ambiguity comes into play. When an author writes the introduction of their story they begin by setting the scene, introducing the characters, and plot. The introduction does not cause much ambiguity for the readers but when the reader continues the story, confusion begins. The confusion occurs during the middle to end when the reader is attempting to understand the writer’s purpose in writing this text and the story’s theme. Thomas C. Foster also explains that ambiguity occurs when readers search for intertextuality. He explains that we as readers cannot read all pieces of literature. We as readers may never understand why the grandmother in the story was carrying a purple basket because a grandmother in another author’s work did so.

          I believe that ambiguity is a roadblock to understanding and also appreciating a text. Sometimes it may be frustrating to not understand why the author wrote a certain event or character but rereading the event or the description of the character enrichens the reading experience. Sometimes the reader’s interpretation may not be definite to the author’s idea, but Foster explains that is not always necessary. Reading an author’s work should be enjoyable and informative regardless if the reader’s interpretation is identical to the author’s.