Ambiguity

As humans, we strive to discover answers to key questions. We work to find understanding, and it is only after gaining this understanding that we feel accomplished. It’s in our nature. This habit is evident in readers, too. As one reads, they attempt to figure out the ending, and they try to understand and interpret the characters and symbols. This journey requires mystery.

So, if the writer were to blatantly explain every aspect of his or her writing, reveal each and every symbol, and spoil the ending, there would be no quest for the reader. What would be left for them to discover? With all of the answers, there would no longer be questions to answer. They would have already have arrived at their destination, and they would not have been able to enjoy the adventure.

Therefore, ambiguity provides the path for the trek every reader must take. The writer provides enough to lure in a reader, enough to light the path, but after that, it’s all about interpretation. The reader must make the journey alone, using fragments of understanding provided by the author as their guides. When they reach a crossroads, they choose to go left or right. They decide which pieces of information they pick up along the way, and ultimately, they choose their own destination.

Ambiguity provides the reader with freedom, and additionally, it enhances a reader’s appreciation of the story. After all, they had to work hard to arrive at their destination, making their discoveries that much sweeter.