1. Seven Types of Ambiguity
Shirley Jackson

2. Focus: Identify connotative and denotative word use
Determine what is expressly stated versus what is inferred to determine point of view
Point of view is the angle of considering things, which shows us the opinion, or feelings of the individuals involved in a situation.

3. Shirley Jackson

4. Her Life Shirley was born in San Francisco, California
She preferred to write, rather than socialize
Shirley often felt that she was an outcast, something later reflected in her work

5. Jackson attended college, majoring in journalism and English
Her work was published in college magazines, and she met her future husband, Stanley Hyman, as her editor
The Hymans lived in Vermont, and raised four children

6. Her Work
Jackson was a diligent writer, devoting long hours to her work
In addition to her serious, even frightening horror stories, Jackson wrote humorous stories about married life and raising children
Jackson died suddenly of a heart attack

7. Seven Types of Ambiguity, page 85
About the story…

8. Point of View
The four characters in the story can be viewed from different perspectives, as though they have two sides to their personalities – the one they want you to see, and the one that is real
The title of the book in the story is a real text that discusses the concept of reading works very carefully to see what a deeper meaning may be
Ambiguity: doubtfulness of uncertainty of meaning; the state of being open to various interpretations

9. Class Work Read the story
Complete Literary Critique, page 90, #s 1-12, with a partner
Go through the story again, looking for words or phrases that express the two sides of the main characters
This is a form of close reading, looking for denotative and connotative meaning
Complete the Point of View worksheet