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?