theme and ambiguity

1. Unit: Ambiguity and Theme
“The Lady, or the Tiger?”- Frank Stockton
Ms. Rodriguez- English 9 World Literature

2. Student Objectives:
In this PowerPoint, students will examine and demonstrate
understanding of ambiguity and theme through completing
the guided notes that go with this presentation.

3. KWL Chart: Theme and Ambiguity
• In this chart, fill out the K and
W section of this chart
• Fill out four details for each
• The topic is “Theme and Ambiguity”
• In a few minutes, we will share our ideas
with our pair-share partners!
• K- What you Know
• W: What you Want to Know
• L- What you Learned

4. What is Ambiguity?
• Ambiguity is “is a word, phrase, or
statement which contains more
than one meaning.”
• This allows for a literary work to
have a deeper meaning, or to
produce humor
• Readers can then use their own
imagination to “fill in the blanks”
• Ambiguity invites the reader to
actively participate in the text
• Sometimes ambiguity is seen as a
flaw in writing, where authors leave
“holes” in their work
• Many authors use ambiguity
intentionally and can aid reader
engagement

5. What is Theme?
• Theme is the main idea of a text
• Sometimes it is directly stated, but
more often than not, it must be
inferred
• Theme is an opinion, not simply the
subject of a text
• Theme can apply to all groups of
people and cultures (a sense of
universality)
• Themes are often about: love, hatred,
friendship, revenge, jealousy, war
• The theme can be inferred by looking
at other literary elements such as:
• Plot, character interactions, character
feelings, setting

6. Video: Identifying Theme
video

7. Thinking Back
• What themes have you seen that are common in literature?
• Think what the theme is and how you identified it!
• Take a few minutes to come up with some examples with specific texts in
mind
• Share out loud with a partner
• Then we will talk about them as a class

8. The Lady, or the Tiger? Preview
• Author: Frank Stockton
• Short story written in 1882
• Setting: A land ruled by a semi-barbaric king
• Plot: The king holds a punishment “trial” based entirely off
chance in a public arena
• The accused is force to pick a door out of two options. Behind one door is a lady whom the king
believes is a good match for the accused, and behind the other door is a tiger ready to kill.
• The king’s daughter’s lover is discovered and is thus put to trial. The princess inevitably finds out which
door reveals the lady and which door reveals the tiger.

9. QuickWrite: Making Predictions
• Now it’s time to predict what will happen in The
Lady or the Tiger?
• Answer the following questions in a short
paragraph. You have 7 minutes! We will then
discuss our predictions as a class.
• Who will be at the end of the door? A tiger or a
lady?
• How will the princess help her lover? Will she
even help him?
• What does it mean to be barbaric? How does this
affect the princess’ nature?

10. KWL: What Did I Learn?
• Now that we have discussed theme and ambiguity, jot down what you have
learned!
• Write down at least four points in the “L” section
• Were your questions in the “W” section answered?
• If not, let’s talk about it

11. Kahoot! Quiz interaction
Theme and Ambiguity Kahoot!
Steps:
1. Go to Kahoot.it
using your smart
phone or
ChromeBook
2. Join the game using
the ID provided on
the screen
3. Get ready to play!