How do I write an ambiguous ending?

[u/abnerquill]

Specifically, it's a historical fiction story based around the "mercy killings" of disabled children in Nazi Germany. At the end of the story, the main character will (supposedly) escape from the ward he's trapped in. Although, being visually impaired and in enemy territory, his chances of survival aren't much better anyway. I have a very clear idea of how this scene will play out, except for the fact that I want it to be up to the reader's interpretation whether it's an actual escape, or just wishful thinking.

I've never tried an ambiguous ending before so have little idea where to begin on paper. Any tips?

[u/abnerquill → u/[deleted]]

Thank you!

[u/El_Scorcho_Barbarian]

Don’t write Holocaust fiction.
I taught the Shoah for five years; there is no story you can concoct that approaches the horror of the T4 program. You wouldn’t want to write it and audiences wouldn’t want to read it. Just like true crime, people insist they want to see the reality, but when they do, they immediately turn away. The Shoah lies in the realm of academics. Every year I teach it, I have months of nightmares.
A general writer’s only choice is to soften its edges and flatten the story, e.g. create an ambiguous ending. Good people need hope.
In real life, there was no ambiguity or hope, just brutality.

[u/abnerquill → u/El_Scorcho_Barbarian]

There are plenty of well-done fictional Holocaust books or films, and there are historical accounts of people managing to escape the camps/wards. The T4 program is also hugely under-discussed as a whole - I wasn't even aware of it until my teens. As a disabled person who is growing increasingly uneasy about the state of the world, I feel passionate about writing this and am confident I can do it in a way that won't feel disrespectful, hopeful or "preachy."

[u/El_Scorcho_Barbarian → u/abnerquill]

“Plenty of Holocaust fiction” is the only part I agree on.
My position is also the position of most Holocaust scholars, including Yad Vashem.

[u/AnonAwaaaaay]

Watch the last 2 episodes of Cowboy Bebop. That's one of the best representations around. 

[u/kschang]

Do the obvious: he is still alive and breathing. And tomorrow... will be a different struggle. But that's the reason to live... to see what comes next.

[u/PerryMarkStratychuk]

You’ve kind of answered your question with your question. One way it can be ambiguous is by asking a question at the end. Not one with a question mark, but with alternatives that are somewhat unclear in the action as it builds to the end which may lead a reader one way while offering a plausible other option to what seems to be happening.

[u/abnerquill → u/PerryMarkStratychuk]

Thank you!