Seven types of ambiguity

In 'Seven Types of Ambiguity,' William Empson delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of meaning in poetry.

He argues that ambiguity, often seen as a flaw, is actually a powerful and enriching element of literature.

Empson identifies and analyzes seven distinct forms of ambiguity, illustrating how these ambiguities contribute to the layered complexity and emotional resonance of poetic works.

Through detailed examinations of poems by authors such as Shakespeare, Chaucer, Donne, and Eliot, Empson demonstrates how ambiguous language can open various dimensions of meaning, enhancing the reader's experience and understanding of the text.

First published in 1930, the book has been revised in 1947 and 1953 and is recognized as a landmark in English literary criticism and a foundation of the New Criticism school of literary theory.