Exploring Ambiguity in "The Demon Lover" by Elizabeth Bowen
Analyze the ambiguously written short story "The Demon Lover" by Elizabeth Bowen to understand the deliberate presentation of confusing aspects in fiction. Delve into the author's background and wartime experiences during WWII to gain insight into the thematic elements of grief, displeasure, and lost innocence in the story.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Do Now 10 minutes of vocabulary.com
The Demon Lover by Elizabeth Bowen Why did we choose this text? To analyze ambiguously written short stories It s Halloween!
What is ambiguous writing? In fiction, ambiguity refers to the way in which a writer intentionally presents aspects of a story as confusing or open to interpretation. Writers often create ambiguity with words, phrases, or passages that have multiple meanings.
About the author Elizabeth Bowen (1899-1973) Born in Dublin, Ireland Father suffered a nervous breakdown when she was 7 Sent away to England to live with her mother Mother died of cancer when she was 13 Her sense of abandonment affected her writing, often characterized by themes of grief, displeasure, and lost innocence.
About the author During the last year of WWI, she returned to Dublin and nursed soldiers suffering from shell shock. In 1918, she returned to London and began writing stories. Worked in the Ministry of Information during WWII She published more than 20 novels and volumes of short stories.
London During WWII The Blitz The onset of World War II placed a tremendous physical and psychological burden on Londoners. From September 1940 to May 1941, the German air force launched a series of bombing raids designed to obliterate London and face Great Britain to surrender. Many families evacuated the city and moved to country villages and towns. Those who could not leave took refuge in subway tunnels and air-raid shelters during the long nights of horror. During The Blitz, Bowen volunteered as an air-raid warden. Her home was bombed The hotel she and her husband took refuge in was also bombed
Before Reading the Story: Cultural Context The title of Bowen s story derives from a figure in Gothic literature, the DEMON LOVER a man who abducts his sweetheart because she has broken her promise of faithfulness The sweetheart happily follows her lover, only to discover too late that he is leading her toward death As you read, think about how this information enhances your understanding of the story.
Before reading the story: Literary Devices Author s of dark, spine-tingling tales such as The Demon Lover often rely on the following narrative techniques to engage readers: Foreshadowing Flashback (The flashbacks in this story are set during The Blitz ) As you read, notice how Bowen uses both techniques to build your interest in the story.
Examples of ambiguity in The Demon Lover A cat wove itself in and out of railings, but no human eye watched Mrs. Drover s return. The phrase no human eye could mean that nobody watched Mrs. Drover or something far more disturbing that no HUMAN watched her. the mysterious letter Who is K ? Possible interpretations are the letter could be from the caretaker, Mr. Drover, or an unknown character may have left the letter
Group/Partner/Solo Assignment Complete The Demon Lover Checkpoint activity sheet with or without a partner(s). You may work in groups up to three. If you choose to submit online, only one person needs to submit. Please make sure both names are on the document. You may work alone if you choose to. Keep in mind you will have to answer all of the questions by yourself.
Homework Vocabulary.com
