Seven Types of Ambiguity is a work of literary criticism by William Empson which was first published

in 1930. It was one of the most influential critical works of the 20th century and was a key
foundation work in the formation of the New Criticism school.[1] The book is organized around seven
types of ambiguity that Empson finds in the poetry he discusses. In William Empson's "Seven Types
of Ambiguity," the term "ambiguity" refers to a deliberate, multiple, or unclear meaning within a
single word, phrase, or expression. Empson explores the various ways in which language can be
intentionally crafted to allow for multiple interpretations or to create a sense of uncertainty and
complexity.

Empson's work suggests that poets and writers use ambiguity as a literary device to enrich their
work, inviting readers to engage in a deeper analysis and consider multiple possible meanings. The
ambiguity he discusses involves the intentional creation of uncertainty or the presence of multiple
interpretations within the same linguistic expression. It adds layers of complexity and richness to the
understanding of a text.

Seven types :-

1. The first type of ambiguity is the metaphor, that is, when two things are said to be alike
which have different properties. This concept is similar to that of metaphysical conceit.

Here's a classic example from William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It":

Metaphor: "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players."

Explanation: In these lines, Shakespeare compares the world to a stage and people to actors,
suggesting that life is like a play where individuals play different roles at different stages of their
lives. This metaphor emphasizes the theatrical and transient nature of human existence.

2. Two or more meanings are resolved into one. Empson characterizes this as using two
different metaphors at once.

From "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats: Lines:

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;" Explanation:

Yeats employs the metaphor of a falcon in flight to describe a chaotic, disorienting situation. The
ambiguity arises in the phrase "The falcon cannot hear the falconer." The interlocking of
meanings involves both a literal interpretation, where the falcon is too far away to hear the
falconer, and a metaphorical interpretation, where the breakdown in communication symbolizes
a larger societal breakdown. This example illustrates how Yeats uses interlocking ambiguity to
convey a sense of disorder and fragmentation in the world, drawing upon both literal and
symbolic meanings to enrich the poem.

3. Two ideas that are connected through context can be given in one word simultaneously also
called as pun.
A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits the multiple meanings of a term, or of similar-
sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. It often involves a play on
words, where a word or phrase has more than one meaning or sounds similar to another
word, creating a clever or witty connection between them. Puns are commonly used in
 literature, jokes, and everyday language to add humor, create double entendres, or convey
clever insights.

4. From "Romeo and Juliet," Pun: "Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man."

Explanation: In this line, Mercutio is making a playful pun on the word "grave." On one level, he
means that if Romeo seeks him tomorrow, he'll be serious or solemn (grave). On another level, it
foreshadows Mercutio's tragic fate, as he will indeed be found in a grave after a fatal duel. The pun
serves as both a witty remark and a subtle nod to the events that will unfold.

5. Two or more meanings that do not agree but combine to make clear a complicated state of
mind in the author. ( ABSTRACT THOUGHTS) A paradox is a statement or situation that seems
contradictory, but when examined more closely, may reveal a deeper truth. From Franz
Kafka's "The Trial" ("Der Prozess"): Quote: "Someone must have been telling lies about
Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested."
Explanation: Kafka's opening line introduces a paradoxical situation where the protagonist,
Josef K., is certain of his innocence, yet he finds himself arrested. The paradox lies in the
contradiction between K.'s knowledge of his innocence and the sudden, inexplicable
accusation against him. This creates a sense of disorientation and captures the complex state
of K.'s mind as he grapples with an unjust and absurd legal system. Kafka's use of paradox in
"The Trial" sets the tone for the novel's exploration of bureaucracy, alienation, and the
surreal nature of the human condition.

7. When the "author is discovering his idea in the act of writing..." Empson describes a simile
that lies halfway between two statements made by the author. From Jane Austen's "Pride
and Prejudice": Original Lines: "She was as much surprised as a woman could be."Revised
Lines: "She was as much surprised as a woman could be; and it was not more than she had
expected." In this instance, Austen originally expressed surprise with the straightforward
statement "She was as much surprised as a woman could be." However, during the writing
process, she added the second statement, "and it was not more than she had expected,"
which functions as a kind of simile, drawing a nuanced comparison between the surprise and
the woman's expectations. This addition in the act of writing enhances the complexity of the
character's emotional response.

8. When a statement says nothing and the readers are forced to invent a statement of their
own, most likely in conflict with that of the author. From Franz Kafka's "The Trial":
Statement: "Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done
nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested." Explanation: Kafka's opening lines in
"The Trial" introduce the protagonist, Josef K., who is arrested without being informed of the
charges against him. The statement sets up a mystery and leaves the nature of the
accusations vague. Readers are forced to invent their own theories about Josef K.'s situation,
and these interpretations may vary widely. Some might believe he is genuinely innocent,
while others may suspect hidden transgressions. The ambiguity invites readers to construct
their own narratives, potentially conflicting with Kafka's ultimate vision. Kafka's use of
Negative Capability in the opening lines sets the tone for the surreal and enigmatic nature of
the novel, leaving readers to grapple with the uncertainties surrounding Josef K.'s arrest.

9. Two words that within context are opposites that expose a fundamental division in the
author's mind and is called double exposure or vision. situation where two words, often
opposites, are used to describe or express something. This creates a kind of mental division
 or conflict in the author's mind, allowing for multiple interpretations or perspectives. The use
of these contrasting words adds complexity and richness to the meaning, making the reader
consider different aspects or emotions related to the subject. From William Shakespeare's
"Hamlet": Lines: "To be or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles..." Explanation: In Hamlet's famous soliloquy, the
use of phrases like "to be" and "not to be" creates a sense of double vision. Hamlet is
contemplating life and death, and the opposing terms emphasize the existential dilemma he
faces. The contrast between suffering and taking action further underscores the internal
conflict within Hamlet's mind. This double vision reflects the complexity of the character's
thoughts and the profound questions he grapples with.

Shakespeare employs the technique of double vision to convey the deep philosophical and
psychological struggles of Hamlet as he contemplates the nature of existence.