Example solution for ambiguous sentences in the context of ''Jane Eyre''

Task

1. Write down two ambiguous sentences with respect to the book’s content.

2. For each of these, provide an unambiguous paraphrase for the possible readings.

3. Classify the type of ambiguity.

4. For each of the readings: Is one of them more plausible in the context of the book than the other?

First example:

1. Jane Eyre met Helen Burns before she died.

2. Paraphrases:

• Reading 1: Jane Eyre met Helen Burns before Jany Eyre died.
• Reading 2: Jane Eyre met Helen Burns before Helen Burns died.
• Reading 3: Jane Eyre met Helen Burns before a third female person died.

3. The ambiguity lies in the possible referents of the pronoun she, so it is an instance of a referential ambiguity.

4. More plausible reading in the context of the book:

Reading 2 is the most plausible reading in the book. Jane met Helen in Lowood, where Helen died of consumption.