William Empson – Seven Types of Ambiguity
William Empson’s landmark critical work Seven Types of Ambiguity (1930) explains how poetry becomes powerful through multiple layers of meaning. According to Empson, ambiguity is not confusion—it is richness, depth and complexity in language. He identifies seven distinct types of ambiguity that poets use to create meaning.
The Seven Types of Ambiguity (Explained Simply)
Each type represents a different way in which a word, phrase, or line can produce more than one meaning.
1. First Type – Multiple Meanings That Fit Together
A word or phrase has two or more meanings that work together to create a single impression.
Example: “bright star” → literal brightness + symbolic hope.
These meanings reinforce each other.
2. Second Type – Two Meanings That Contrast
A phrase suggests two different meanings, and the reader moves between them.
Example: “The waves rolled on.” → continuous movement + burden/weight.
The two meanings enrich the expression.
3. Third Type – The Meaning Becomes Clear Only Through the Whole Poem
A line is ambiguous until the reader reaches the end of the poem and understands it fully.
Example: Opening lines that make sense only after the closing revelation.
Empson says poets often do this intentionally.
4. Fourth Type – Opposite Meanings Occur in the Same Line
The poet expresses two contrasting ideas at once, and both are intended.
Example: “Love’s fire is cold.”
This type is common in metaphysical poetry.
5. Fifth Type – A Confused or Difficult State of Mind
The ambiguity represents the complex emotions of the speaker. The poet shows inner conflict through contradictory statements.
Example: A lover expressing both joy and despair in the same breath.
6. Sixth Type – A Statement That Allows Multiple Interpretations
Here, the poet intentionally leaves the meaning open-ended, encouraging the reader to interpret.
Example: A symbolic image that can be political, emotional, or spiritual.
Meaning depends on the reader’s understanding.
7. Seventh Type – Complete Contradiction (Meaning Cannot Be Resolved)
The most complex type. Two meanings are so opposed that they cannot be reconciled, representing:
- deep irony
- paradox
- conflict within the poem
Example: “A silence louder than thunder.”
This creates a powerful poetic effect.
Why Ambiguity Is Important
- creates depth and richness in poetry
- makes interpretations flexible
- allows poets to express complex emotions
- connects readers personally to the poem
- transforms simple lines into profound experiences
Empson’s Method
Empson used:
- close reading
- linguistic analysis
- psychological interpretation
- multiple perspectives
He believed that ambiguity is at the heart of poetic language.
Critical Significance
- Revolutionised modern criticism.
- Helped develop New Criticism and reader-response methods.
- Showed that poetry is not vague but structurally complex.
- Shifted focus from poet’s intention to textual analysis.
- Connected language with psychology.
Quick Revision Table
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two compatible meanings enrich each other. |
| 2 | Two contrasting meanings create tension. |
| 3 | Meaning clarified only after reading the whole poem. |
| 4 | Opposite meanings exist together. |
| 5 | Conflicting feelings of the speaker. |
| 6 | Open-ended interpretation for readers. |
| 7 | Complete contradiction; unresolved paradox. |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Critic | William Empson |
| Published | 1930 |
| Approach | Linguistic, psychological, analytical |
| Main Contribution | Explains how multiple meanings enrich poetry |
| Influence | Foundational text in New Criticism |
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