Faulkner and Steinbecks Ambiguous Tales

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Two of the most significant American authors of the 20th century were Faulkner and Steinbeck. Both authors use ambiguity in their short fiction to give readers a sense of intricacy and uncertainty in their stories. It fosters a sense of mystery that stimulates active involvement with the text by allowing readers to derive their conclusions. In particular, ambiguity is used in Faulkners A Rose for Emily and Steinbecks The Chrysanthemums to reveal details about the characters and complicate the plots.

Main body

In A Rose for Emily, by William Faulkner, a lady is imprisoned by the customs of the South and the demands of her community. The story is portrayed from the locals viewpoint, who attempt to comprehend why Emily has led such a solitary life. The conclusion of A Rose for Emily is one instance of ambiguity: the reader is left wondering if Emily was motivated to kill her lover or if he passed away naturally. Faulkner writes: Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head. One of us lifted something from it, and leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair (Faulkner). This line leaves questions about Emilys true personality, creating a sense of doubt about what occurred.

John Steinbecks story, The Chrysanthemums, follows a woman named Elisa who is dissatisfied with her existence and longs for more. The conversation between Elisa and the tinker in The Chrysanthemums illustrates ambiguity well. Since the tinker is a mystery figure, the reader is free to infer what his genuine motivations might be from the uncertainty that surrounds him. Steinbeck writes: She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly like an old woman. (Steinbeck) This passage makes it clear that Elisa is torn about how she feels about the tinker, and it causes the audience to ponder if the tinker might be preying on her weakness.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the ambiguity in A Rose for Emily by Faulkner and The Chrysanthemums by Steinbeck reveals the characters and mystifies the plots of both works. Due to such ambiguity, the reader might infer what the characters aims and motivations are, as well as their emotional states. Both Faulkner and Steinbeck can bring complexity and uncertainty to their narrative through ambiguity, thus adding depth and nuance.

References

Faulkner, William. A Rose for Emily. American Studies at the University of Virginia, 1930. American Studies at the University of Virginia, Web.

Steinbeck, John. The Chrysanthemums. Literary Fictions, 1937. Literary Fictions, Web.

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Faulkner and Steinbecks Ambiguous Tales

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