Abstract This paper explains good and bad uses to which ambiguity in the English language are put. The author argues that there is a linkage between language ambiguity and ethics. The paper presents examples of linguistic ambiguity.
From the Paper "Ambiguity as a linguistic and rhetorical strategy can take a variety of forms as Empson shows in "Seven Types of Ambiguity". It is important to recognize that Empson's study does not necessarily exhaust the subject of linguistic ambiguity when he identifies seven ..."
This paper discusses the use of ambiguity in "A Short Story" by George Bowering, "Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and "A Sorrowful Woman" by Gail Godwin.
Abstract 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." "
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that very few words in the English language are meant to be as intentionally ambiguous as terrorism. To some people it is simply a fighting tactic. To others it is associated with a type of person that is sneaky and underhanded. The writer points out that the term is associated with creating fear, but it also insinuates that the terrorist is immoral and illegitimate. The writer concludes that the United Nations is shortchanging the world by not having a concrete definition of the word terrorism. If they did, they would be able to identify countries that commit acts of terrorism and take the appropriate measures in response.
From the Paper "The terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, have committed the most well known examples of terrorism. They engineered the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Their attacks are perceived as terrorism because they attacked the military and economic hubs of the United States. This attack was in response to the group's belief that Western civilization and culture were threatening their way of life.
"Their attacks had a profound impact on the psyche of the United States. It traumatized millions of Americans who either lived in one of the cities or had a connection to someone involved in the attacks. The terrorists instilled fear in Americans by making them realize just how vulnerable the country was. Airplane travel has gone from an ordinary experience to a hassle that is equal parts fear and inconvenience."
Abstract The writer of this article notes that to keep track of the many different "personality types" introduced by Simone De Beauvoir in her book, 'The Ethics of Ambiguity', is no small task. In chapter two, she introduces many of the personality types, and they do not at first paint a favorable picture of a person who has an opportunity to evolve from childhood to adulthood without a greater probability of becoming asocial as opposed to socially indoctrinated in a positive way. The writer points out that this somewhat dismal perspective is really explained - perhaps unwittingly - by De Beauvoir herself, as she explains in detail the plight of women as a continuation of childlike behavior-play at being an adult, because women are, like slaves, like the Mohammedan woman. These are, however, issues that De Beauvoir claims is in fact the ethics of ambiguity. This paper explores the different personalities and characteristics that De Beauvoir discusses in chapter two of her book.
Outline:
Mankind Begins in a State of Unhappiness
From the Paper "De Beauvoir further asserts that the dominating features of man's individual personality begin forming in childhood. Again, this is not an idea that would draw disagreement and argument. However, De Beauvoir discusses the reaction of a child, as though that child were a blank slate, to the world around him or her. However, De Beauvoir is asserting that these experiences are not experiences which tend to be deflected by a child's growth as much as the reflected in a child's growth. She paints mankind as beginning his existence in an unfortunate way, rather than a celebratory way, and assuming that the birth of a child is less than celebrated. The suggestion is that mankind is an unfortunate being, subjected to the circumstances of having been born at all. The choices man makes throughout his life - focusing on those that are poor choices - arise out of his childhood. "
Abstract This paper examines the story "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World: A Tale for Children" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It looks at three passages in the story that have ambiguous meanings and discusses their importance to the story overall. It looks at how it is not really a story about the stranger who is washed up on shore, but a story about the women of a place who take matters into their own hands and change things for the better. It shows how each of the ambiguous passages is not really ambiguous at all but serves a distinct purpose in the story. They give dramatic details, they explain the actions of the characters and they help make the story more vital and alive. It evaluates how Marquez shows a wonderful understanding not only of people but of the use of language to create a marvelously unusual story.
From the Paper "Again, the words here do not seem to mean anything, Marquez simply strings them together in a sentence whose meaning is vague at best. The man is so large he cannot fit in the women's imagination? What does that mean? It is an interesting analogy, and becomes clearer as the story is reread. This man is so important to the women, for whatever reason, that his size is not really the issue any more. He is a large man, but even more important, he has filled up the heads of the women until he is the only important thing in their minds. Clearly, from this point on in the story, none of the other men in the village will be able to compete with this man, either physically or emotionally. He has something special the women have seen, and they love him for it."
Tags: women, village, husbands, shore, sea, boats, imagination
Abstract This paper investigates the issues of ambivalence and ambiguity in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". The author claims that Shelley herself had some trouble making personal convictions on issues such as ambition and nature. It also contains information on current criticism circulating about this work.
From the Paper ?Many shudder at the mere mention of the words ambiguity and ambivalence. It seems almost against human nature to be satisfied with it. We are constantly searching for the answer, whether it is the quest of the answer to what it is that brings about life or a longing to find the answer to the reason man was placed on this earth. However, it is debatable whether or not this aspect of humanity is commendable or condemnable. According to Frankenstein, Mary Shelley believes that there is some comfort to be sought in ambivalence and in ambiguity. Rather than being so pretentious as to believe that we can find the answer to everything, she addresses both sides to the questions brought up in the themes of the book. She finds two answers to each question she addresses. Victor should both be condemned for taking his Promethean desires too far, and congratulated for trying to move forward in the field of science. Walton should both move forward towards his goals of discovery and exploration, and abandon his dreams in order to protect human life. Nature should both be left alone, and cultivated by human hands.?
Abstract This paper on Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" focuses on the personality of the "Squire". It discusses his qualities, Chaucer's attitude toward him, his appearance and what it tells of his character. It also explores the ambiguities or contradictions between inner and outer appearance.
From the Paper "In "The Canterbury Tales" Chaucer documents the different social tensions in the manner of the day, moreover, he wrote in the vernacular, the English that was spoken in and around London in his day. The tales are told by a group of people who are journeying from London to Canterbury in Kent so they may receive the blessings of the English martyr, Sir Thomas Becket. The group is a collage of social classes from aristocrats to the poor. It has been proposed that each in the group will tell a tale so the journey may pass more quickly and the best storyteller will be the recipient of an elaborate meal paid for by the other travelers (Chaucer 1976). Chaucer places himself in the story as one of the travelers and straws are drawn to see who will tell a tale first. The Knight draws the shortest straw and so begins his tale, followed by such characters as the Monk, the drunken Miller, the Man of Law, the Parson, the Shipman, the Wife of Bath, the Merchant, and the Knight's son, the Squire (Chaucer 1976)."
Abstract This research will examine elements of magic realism and what Malcolm Bradbury calls "the paradoxes and ambiguities of human identity" that emerge in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon. The research will set forth the pattern of ideas that make Song of Solomon relevant to identity issues in the context of black culture
From the Paper "This research will examine elements of magic realism and what Malcolm Bradbury calls "the paradoxes and ambiguities of human identity" that emerge in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon. The research will set forth the pattern of ideas that make Song of Solomon relevant to identity issues in the context of black culture and then discuss the means by which such narrative strategies and devices as magic realism, as well as other features of Morrison's work that Bradbury identifies, such as the power of myth and hidden fables, are employed to reach coherent meaning and sentient effect.
In discussing cultural myth and archetypes that explain collective memory and cultural identity, Eliade (27-8) refers to "acts which presuppose an absolute reality, a reality which is extrahuman . . . created in illo tempore, in the mythical period, by an ..."
Abstract The author discusses how self-determination has altered the face of international relations in the last century. The first section of the paper presents an overview of the chronological history of the principle of self-determination, including how it has changed over the last century. Some of the topics discussed in this section includes several examples of self-determination and how it was defined slightly differently in each of the examples. This section also discusses how changes in Europe and the collapse of imperialism, the establishment of the United Nations and its charter and the Cold War all played a role in the pushing the issue of self-determination to the forefront of international relations. The second section discusses the problems that have arisen as a result of self-determination issues in contemporary world politics. Particular attention is paid by the author to the consequences of its change, particularly because of its ambiguity and contradiction with the existence of the nation-state as the main actor in world politics.
From the Paper "Thirdly, self-determination issues escalated in world politics as the result of the end of the Cold War as well as the spread of the effect of globalization. In the case of former Soviet Union, the motive was quitesimilar with that of decolonization era: independence from outside power seizing their sovereignty, while in the other cases are more complex because of the assortment of many factors: ethnical and historical differences, injustices, undemocratic central government or human rights violation. At the end of this section, it could be concluded that the principle of self-determination, through its redefinitions, has played and is still playing a pivotal role in world politics. In its early period, self-determination had close relationship with the conception of sovereignty, nationalism and nation-state, which the latter now becomes the main actor in world politics; while on the contrary, in recent times the right of self-determination tends to subordinate the principle of sovereignty."
Tags: autonomy, conflict, ethnicity, independence, politics, secession, sovereignty, nations, right
Abstract This paper looks at commentaries on Hume's works by Vladimir Price called "The Ironic Hume." The writer lays out a few suggestions of ironic interpretation not mentioned by Price, the purpose being to get them on the table for philosophical discussion. It begins with a few comments on the intellectual “freedom” of the eighteenth century. This was the time in which Hume lived, a time in which someone like him, a man with integrity, wit, and great intelligence, had to carefully choose his words. The writer then examines Hume's “Of Miracles,” turning to "The Natural History of Religion", and the "Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion" (with the heaviest focus on this last). The paper focuses on certain passages which appear to feature more than the usual Humean ambiguity. Price’s ironic interpretations are then examined, which provide material which the the writer claims grasps Hume’s intent.
From the Paper ""Be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man" (Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (ECHU) I.4: 452). So David Hume advised anyone who would venture into the deep and perplexing regions of abstract philosophy. Indeed, those trying to interpret Hume's own writings, particularly when they relate to religious issues, must stay on their toes. After reading these works, one realizes that Hume's writing style is deceptively simple. Packed within each sentence, each phrase, and often, each word, are meanings within meanings, deep irony hovering over lighter irony, and grand, major points made around smaller, but no less important, staccato-type ones. Certainly, after delving into the challenges lying deep within Hume's religious writings, philosophers might feel the need to relax their vigilance and engage in some business of purely ordinary human gratification. Hume would encourage them to do so."
Abstract This paper reveals how this work contains oppositions and ambiguities, but the unity is exposed. The underlying theme is revealed: The speaker struggles with her internal conflict. Should she forgive her deceased father for his lack of love? She realizes that it is too late.
From the Paper "In Lucille Clifton's poem, "forgiving my father", the speaker focuses on the debt that her deceased father owes to her and her mother, in an attempt to undergo a process of forgiveness. The debt owed is not physical, but emotional, as a monetary debt is used to symbolize a lack of love and affection. Although the title of the poem indicates that the speaker has forgiven her father, much of the text reveals through its metaphors, that the daughter has resentment and anger toward him. Near the end of the poem, these oppositions actually balance the speaker's feelings towards her father, in that she realizes that it is too late to forgive or blame, thus resolving her internal conflict."
Abstract This paper explains that there are several ambiguities presented in the metaphysical and the materialist approaches to understanding the universe. The author points out that the basis of Hartshorne's arguments is blind faith, but his presentations are convincing, as he has considered "time" and "necessity" as important factors. The paper states that, through a doctrinal approach, the relation between God and the "Nature of Christ" may be explained through the understanding that Christ is God himself or at least an extension of him in the form of flesh, and this specifically relates to all His (Christ) divine actions while He was on earth.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review
Hartshorne's Argument
Immanuel Kant's Contradiction
Evidence from the Bible
The "Nature of Christ": Old and New Testaments
The Dualist Perspective
Descartes? Opinion
Ryle's Opinion
H.H. Price's Opinion
Hick's Opinion
Statement of the Problem
Thesis
Scope
Key Words
Terms and their Meanings
Perspectives (Philosophical)
Perspectives (Theological)
Proposal
From the Paper "In Descartes dualist concept, the belief in the existence of the mind and body is essential. Based on this concept, Descartes was able to know where he stood; he knew then that he existed because he could think. Hence, he believed in the following that is popular in contemporary times "cogito ergo sum" or "we think, therefore we are". Descartes apparently has had significant impact on concepts of life after death. However, he faced obstacles in certain explanations, and this is because he could not provide convincing explanation for the relationship between body and mind."
Abstract This paper looks at how F. Scott Fitzgerald presents themes of moral ambiguity and personal integrity in "The Great Gatsby" by placing the characters in situations where they must make choices regarding how to act and what to do.
From the Paper "Nick is the narrator of the story, and has the advantage of having moved back to the Midwest and of telling the story two years after the events took place. This allows him to take in the whole picture and to see how events and people have interrelated. Nick is Daisy's cousin and went to school with her husband Tom, so even though he is not wealthy, he is accepted by Tom and Daisy. Even so, he is a bit of an outsider in the story, which enhances his ability to see the actions of others more clearly than if he had allowed himself to become close to all of them."
Abstract Compares and contrasts the use of point of view, setting, theme, and ambiguity to describe the relationships of women and men in the upper-class society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as detailed in Wharton's short stories, "The Other Two" and "Roman Fever."
From the Paper "Edith Wharton is recognized as one of the most prominent writers in American literature, moving women's literary efforts into a new era in the early 20th century. Born into "an elite, conservative, old New York family" (1010), Wharton, as expected, married a member of the leisure class. Her work is often an unflattering depiction of the patriarchal society that she knew so well, and of the lengths that women will go to survive in that society. "The Other Two" and "Roman Fever" share similar techniques in storytelling: each effectively uses point of view, setting, theme, and ambiguous endings to craft a scathing picture of this culture, but each does so in a way that creates a truly unique portrait of the time."
Tags:ambiguity, edith, fever, men, other, point, relationships, roman, setting, short, story, theme, two, view, wharton, women
Abstract This paper explains that the story of Bartleby is ambiguous because the reader sees Bartleby's life entirely from the outside, never hearing anything in Bartleby's own voice except the repeated, "I would prefer not to." The author points out that some critics see Melville's image of Bartleby as reflecting his view of Henry David Thoreau and as a satirical comment on Thoreau's writings; Melville was fixated on Thoreau, despite the fact that there is no evidence that he ever met him. The paper concludes that Melville's life is more clearly evident in his sea stories; much of what is thought about his inner life and how it is reflected in this story is highly speculative although the ways he treats other characters faced with authority are similar to his other works.
From the Paper "It is possible that Bartleby has had some revelation about his life and has come to an understanding of the need to escape it. This is never clear, but Bartleby's way of escaping is clear--he withdraws into himself. Bartleby withdraws into a smaller and smaller space until he is not there at all. In his own way, Bartleby is quite reasonable about his withdrawal, a fact noted by the narrator when Bartleby first makes his declaration of preference: "With any other man, I should have flown outright into a dreadful passion, scorned all further words, and thrust him ignominiously from my presence. But there was something about Bartleby that not only strangely disarmed me, but, in a wonderful manner, touched and disconcerted me.""
