Essential Question

How is ambiguity used to create effect in a

story?

Lesson 12

Journal Topic

“A difficult choice I’ve made”

Before you read:• Ambiguity – The quality that allows something to

be interpreted in more than one way. – It adds complexity to a story

• Motivation– The reason behind a person’s behavior

(why the person does what s/he does)• “The Lady or the Tiger” (p. 298)

Plot• Exposition (very long in this story)– Setting kingdom in “olden time”– A king with curious qualities

• Semi-barbaric• Exuberant• Genial

– The king’s curious entertainment• Places people in life or death choice in an arena• The entire spectacle is based on mere chance

– Answer question in box on p. 300

Plot• Rising Action – King discovers his daughter’s lover and

arrests the man (Answer question in box 2)– King orders the young man be put to the

test in the arena (Answer question in box 3)

– The Princess discovers what is behind each door

– The Princess gives a subtle gesture to her lover (Answer question in box 4)

Story’s conclusion• No climax –Other than that the young man

opens a door• No resolution–The reader does not find out

what is behind the door• Ambiguous ending is offered–A story to entertain or lead to

discussion of human nature (Answer the question in box 5)

Ambiguity – Ending #1• There is a tiger behind the

door – What leads the reader to this conclusion?–Princess does not want her

lover to be with another (we were told she saw the rival looking at the young man)–Princess is semi-barbaric (like

her father)

Ambiguity – Ending #2• The princess’ rival is behind

the door – What leads reader to this conclusion?–Princess’ love for the young

man – She doesn’t want him to die–Perhaps she is unhappy with

her father’s sense of “justice”

Additional Ambiguity• Did the young man choose

the door the Princess gestured toward—or the other door?–Does he think she loves him or

is jealous of the other young woman?

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