Ambiguity in Modern English Prose Works

Rea Gashi
19.05.2023

So, were the characters in Huxley’s Brave New World actually happy and free or just
brainwashed? I guess that’s open for interpretation, an ambiguous situation if you will. When
reading Modern English novels, you might be thinking, what is considered modern? Something
new, contemporary might be the answer you’re looking for. Modern English prose is aesthetic,
experimental and innovative, and with all these elements comes ambiguity. Ambiguity within
plot, ambiguity within characters, you name it. Some authors intentionally use ambiguity as a
literary device to add depth, complexity, or to provoke thought and reflection in their readers.
And, trust me that works. During this semester we had to read and analyze some quite interesting
books that evoked even more interesting discussions in class. Let us see how ambiguous these
books are.

Starting off strong with Orwell’s 1984. 1984 delves into moral ambiguity by challenging
traditional notions of right and wrong. In the totalitarian society depicted in the novel, the Party's
manipulation of truth and the distortion of moral values create a morally ambiguous
environment. Characters such as O'Brien, who plays a significant role in Winston's journey,
exemplify this ambiguity as they justify their actions in the name of the Party's ideology. The
novel raises unsettling questions about the nature of morality in a world where truth is malleable
and obedience to an oppressive regime is enforced. This moral ambiguity forces readers to
confront the complexities of ethical choices and the compromises individuals may make under
extreme circumstances.

Moving on to Huxley’s Brave New World, dystopia or utopia? That is the question. In Brave
New World, society is engineered to ensure stability and happiness through genetic manipulation,
conditioning, and the consumption of a pleasure-inducing drug called soma. While people of this
dystopian world appear happy and fulfilled, there is an inherent ambiguity when it comes to the
true nature of their happiness and freedom. The novel makes readers question whether a society
built upon the suppression of individuality, emotions, and critical thinking can truly be
considered utopian or if it is merely a shallow happiness. However, this concept is always
subjective and open to interpretation, that is the whole point right?

Now that we’ve seen ambivalence in two novels that have somewhat a similar theme, let’s
explore two others. There is Forster’s A Passage to India and there is Conrad’s Heart of
Darkness. So similar yet so different. Let us start with A Passage to India. The central event of
the novel revolves around an accusation made by Dr. Aziz against Mr. Fielding's friend, Adela
Quested, of an attempted sexual assault. The circumstances surrounding the incident are
shrouded in ambiguity, as multiple perspectives and conflicting accounts are presented. Readers
are left questioning the truth, and the novel invites interpretation and debate about the nature of
the accusation, the motivations of the characters involved, and the underlying tensions between
the British and Indian communities. A Passage to India also explores the theme of friendship
between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The relationship between Aziz and
Fielding, in particular, undergoes various shifts and tensions. The novel portrays the
complexities and ambiguities that arise in such friendships, as they navigate the power dynamics,
prejudices, and expectations of their respective communities.

Moving on to Heart of Darkness, analyzing an element in which I never knew ambivalence

could be found in. Narration. The story is narrated through Marlow's perspective, but the
reliability and subjectivity of his account are questionable. Marlow's storytelling introduces
layers of ambiguity as he filters events through his own biases, experiences, and interpretations.
The reader is left to navigate the blurred lines between fact and fiction, reality and perception,
which adds to the enigmatic nature of the narrative. Marlow recounts his experiences and
impressions, often sharing his thoughts, opinions, and interpretations of events. This subjectivity
introduces ambiguity because readers must navigate through Marlow's lens, questioning the
reliability and accuracy of his perceptions. Different readers may interpret the events differently
based on their own perspectives and biases, leading to multiple possible understandings of the
story.

Last but not least, if not the most ambiguous one of them all, Golding’s Lord of the Flies. This
novel contains various elements of ambiguity, which contribute to its complex and thought-
provoking nature. For example, the symbols, the ending, the characters, but let us focus on a very
specific one, the boy’s behavior. The actions and choices made by the boys on the island are
often ambiguous and open to interpretation. The shifting dynamics of power, the conflicts
between Ralph and Jack, and the various alliances formed among the boys raise questions about
morality, responsibility, and the complexities of human behavior. Readers may interpret the
characters' actions differently, leading to different understandings of their motivations and moral
culpability. Some may argue that people are born evil, some may say that it is the environment
and the need to survive that turns people into “savages”. Who knows? The ambiguity on this one
is deep.

In conclusion, yes, Modern English Prose works are quite ambiguous, and I can’t help but think
whether the authors did this on purpose. From Orwell who makes us question ethical codes to
Golding who has us overthinking and analyzing our innate vs. learned behavior. All these
authors had a mission (besides aestheticism), to make us think. They wanted us to have a richer
reading experience, to see both sides.