posted
It really depends on the style of narration and the nature of the question.
It tends to work if there is a higher form of narration. Almost like a second person lead in and close. I think I am too tired to explain what I am trying to say.
It tends to fail when the narration is weak or the question is an important element that should have been in the plot to offer a satisfactory conclusion.
posted
I mean a literal question. I guess that might imply an indefinite ending. I intended it to be a rhetorical question, but now that I think about it, I'm not sure it came off that way. Bent Tree, I'm glad to hear you say that (about strong narration) because that's what I was going for. I suppose it's a riskier way to end a story, but in the right situation might be just the sort of lingering aftertaste required.
Anyway, I'm curious what other people's thoughts are on the matter.
posted
Aldiss wrote a story whose title was a question: "Who can Replace a Man?" But I can't remember how it ended.
The movie "Finding Nemo" ends with a question which cracks me up every time I see it.
And of course there's Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy with its famous "The answer's 42--now, what's the question?"
Clarke's "2001" ended with us asking a question ("Wha...?"), and left us with several questions unanswered.
Several stories end with an implicit question. Asimov's "Nightfall", for example: did they make it through and reconstruct their civilisation?
Aside from those I can't think of any stories that end with a question, but the concept is interesting and I'd like to see it done. That final question would have to be a delicious one to savour, one that doesn't demand an answer, that we're sure the characters will solve one way or another.
Hope this helps, Pat
[This message has been edited by TaleSpinner (edited July 10, 2008).]
posted
That famous short story -- The Lady or the Tiger? -- a classic example of ending with a question.
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posted
Well, it could be argued that GONE WITH THE WIND ends with a question, but Scarlett says she'll think about it tomorrow.
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posted
Many end indeterminately. Pip and the Fairies (one of my favorite fairly recent short stories) certainly does. But that's a bit different than ending on the narrator asking a question.
I don't remember the narrator asking a question in Gone with the Wind but it's been many years since I read it.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited July 10, 2008).]
posted
I would be leery of ending a story with a question. It could imply that the story is incomplete. Even if it is the first in a trilogy the question may still get a mixed response. For example, a movie that ends with a question would likely have people walking out mumbling about the unanswered question, possibly deprived of that ‘complete experience’ feeling. Complete resolution to your plot generates the most favorable response from the public at large. Not to say that there wouldn't be some university English professors that may declare an unconventional ending as genius. They, however, won’t pay your mortgage. So my advice is, when you reach the level of Ursula K. LeGuin, do whatever you like, but when the market has yet to eye you with any respect, play within the walls of convention and give them their Hollywood ending.
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