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? –