Ambiguity in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, while many writers lure their readers with vivid and detailed descriptions of the characters, plot, and setting in their stories to draw the reader into the book, others use ambiguity to force the readers to question their own views. The author points out that, in "A Short Story," Bowering leaves the ending purposely ambiguous in order to get the reader to think more about the "whys" than the "whats" of the plot. The paper relates that, in "Young Goodman Brown," Hawthorne never tells the reader if the character's experience is dream or reality; and, in "A Sorrowful Woman," Gail Goodwin presents a story that is already in progress.

From the Paper:

"In "A Short Story", George Bowering uses a very broken layout to emphasize the elements of his story. The story is broken into parts titled setting, characters, protagonist, symbolism, conflict, dialogue, flashback, foreshadowing, plot, and theme. Using the first eight sections, Bowering builds to a dramatic climax in the "plot" segment. Donna, the protagonist, alludes to an abusive experience between her stepfather (Art) and herself in the recent past. Donna is hurt by her mother's defense of Art, and we find out that she is returning home after a long absence. Donna visits her mother, and Bowering writes "When Art propelled the bedroom door open, Donna was pointing a loaded shotgun at his head" (546). Then, "Donna turned a smooth quick arc, & shot her mother's face off." "

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• Analytical Essay # 38386 : "Mother and Daughters in Canadian Literature"

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