A paradox is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself. This type of statement can be described as paradoxical. A compressed paradox comprised of just a few words is called an oxymoron. This term comes from the Greek paradoxa, meaning "incredible, contrary to opinion or expectation."
What are some examples of paradox?
Paradox
- A rich man is no richer than a beggar.
- You can save money by spending it.
- I'm a liar. How do you know if I'm telling the truth?
- There's no such thing as equality.
- I'm nobody.
What is the meaning of the word paradox?
paradox. ( ˈpærəˌdɒks) n. 1. a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true: religious truths are often expressed in paradox. 2. (Logic) a self-contradictory proposition, such as I always tell lies. 3. a person or thing exhibiting apparently contradictory characteristics.
Why does an author use "figurative language"?
One of the reasons authors include figurative language is because of its appeal to the reader. It makes the reading come alive. Instead of just describing an object, comparing it with something else in a simile causes the reader to relate quickly to the text.
Is paradox a rhetorical device?
Definition A paradox is a rhetorical device that is made up of two opposite things and seems impossible or untrue but is actually possible or true. A paradox can also mean a person who does two things that seem to be opposite each other, or who has opposite qualities.
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What is a paradox in figurative language?
Paradox is one type of figurative language. A paradox is statement that sounds as if it ridiculous or contradicts itself, but when it is examined and taken to its logical conclusion, it might turn out to actually be true.
What is a simple meaning of paradox?
noun. a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. a self-contradictory and false proposition.
Can you give me an example of a paradox?
Let's look at some classic examples. "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This quote is a tenet created by the pigs in George Orwell's Animal Farm. This statement is a paradox because something cannot be more equal than another.
What does paradox mean in literary terms?
The word “paradox” derives from the Greek word “paradoxons,” meaning contrary to expectation. In literature, a paradox is a literary device that contradicts itself but contains a plausible kernel of truth.
How do you use the word paradox?
Paradox in a Sentence 🔉In a strange paradox, the medicine made Heather sick before it made her better.The idea of being cruel to be kind is a paradox because cruelty is not normally associated with kindness.By definition a paradox is two contrasting situations put together to create a provoking idea.More items...
What is the opposite of paradox?
Opposite of a seemingly absurd or contradictory proposition that may prove to be true. accuracy. certainty. correction. normality.
What are 5 examples of a paradox?
Here are some thought-provoking paradox examples:Save money by spending it.If I know one thing, it's that I know nothing.This is the beginning of the end.Deep down, you're really shallow.I'm a compulsive liar."Men work together whether they work together or apart." - Robert Frost.More items...
What is the most famous paradox?
The liar paradox or liar's paradox statement is one of the simplest yet most famous paradoxes out there. The statement “this statement is a lie” or “this statement is false” is a paradox because if that statement is indeed a lie, then it would be saying the truth.
What are the 3 types of paradoxes?
Three types of paradoxesFalsidical – Logic based on a falsehood.Veridical – Truthful.Antinomy – A contradiction, real or apparent, between two principles or conclusions, both of which seem equally justified.
How do you explain paradox to a child?
A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself, or seems to go against itself, but may contain a basic or underlying truth when examined more closely. A paradox may be thought of as working against common sense but seems to be true, or state a truth.
What is paradox and example of it figure of speech?
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is much too important to be taken seriously" is a paradox.
Which of the following is the best definition of a paradox?
The best definition of a paradox is - The pairing of opposites.
What does paradox mean for kids?
A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself, or seems to go against itself, but may contain a basic or underlying truth when examined more closely. A paradox may be thought of as working against common sense but seems to be true, or state a truth.
What are 5 examples of a paradox?
Here are some thought-provoking paradox examples:Save money by spending it.If I know one thing, it's that I know nothing.This is the beginning of the end.Deep down, you're really shallow.I'm a compulsive liar."Men work together whether they work together or apart." - Robert Frost.More items...
What is a paradox in real life?
It's a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and is yet perhaps true.
What are the 3 types of paradoxes?
Three types of paradoxesFalsidical – Logic based on a falsehood.Veridical – Truthful.Antinomy – A contradiction, real or apparent, between two principles or conclusions, both of which seem equally justified.
What does Heller say about if he flew them?
If he flew them he was crazy and didn’t have to; but if he didn’t want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle. In his novel, Heller creates perhaps the most circuitous and dramatic paradox in literature.
What is the paradox of Catch-22?
This passage explains the contradictory idea that a person who recognizes that putting themselves in harm’s way is “crazy,” is actually “sane” enough to do a mission that will put themselves in harm’s way.
How does paradox work?
As a literary device, paradox functions as a means of setting up a situation, idea, or concept that appears on the surface to be contradictory or impossible. However, with further thought, understanding, or reflection, the conflict is resolved due to the discovery of an underlying level of reason or logic. This is effective in that a paradox creates interest and a need for resolution on the part of the reader for understanding. This allows the reader to invest in a literary work as a means of deciphering the meaning of the paradox.
What is the most circuitous and dramatic paradox in literature?
In his novel, Heller creates perhaps the most circuitous and dramatic paradox in literature. War, which is inherently paradoxical on many levels, is the basis of the paradox of Catch-22.
Why is paradox important?
It’s important for writers to construct proper paradox so that the meaning is not lost for the reader.
Why does Hamlet believe that killing Claudius is bad?
In addition, though Hamlet also believes that killing Claudius is “bad,” he feels the “worse” will remain behind because his father’s death will be avenged. Therefore, though it appears contradictory that Hamlet’s murder of a murderer requires cruelty for kindness, there is a level of logic to his reasoning.
What is paradox in literature?
Paradox is an effective literary device as a means of creating interest in a literary work and engendering thought on the part of the reader. Here are some examples of paradox and how it adds to the significance of well-known literary works:
Why are paradoxes useful?
Paradox as an Argumentative Strategy. As Kathy Eden points out, not only are paradoxes useful as literary devices, but also as rhetorical devices. "Useful as instruments of instruction because of the wonder or surprise they engender, paradoxes also work to undermine the arguments of one's opponents.
What is the paradox of Catch-22?
By definition, a catch-22 is a paradoxical and difficult dilemma comprised of two or more contradictory circumstances, thus rendering the situation inescapable. In his famed novel Catch-22, author Joseph Heller expands on this. "There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that concern for one's own ...
What are the paradoxes of Kahlil Gibran?
Kahlil Gibran's Paradoxes. Paradoxes lend a certain surreal quality to writing, so writers with this vision in mind for their words are fond of the device. However, excessive use of paradoxes can make writing murky and confusing.
What does paradox mean in Greek?
This term comes from the Greek paradoxa, meaning "incredible, contrary to opinion or expectation.". According to the Encyclopedia of Rhetoric, paradoxes are "mostly used for expressing astonishment or disbelief at something unusual or unexpected" in everyday communication (Sloane 2001).
What is a paradox in speech?
Updated January 20, 2020. A paradox is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself. This type of statement can be described as paradoxical. A compressed paradox comprised of just a few words is called an oxymoron.
Why were hotel rooms scarcer than the heath hen?
Not only were hotel rooms scarcer than the heath hen—after all, you could pick up an occasional heath hen before Christmas if you didn't mind going into the black market for it—but the reason for their scarcity was that most of them were occupied by people who had flocked to the National Hotel Exposition to discuss the scarcity of hotel rooms. Sounds paradoxical, doesn't it? I mean, if there aren't any other paradoxes around," (Perelman 1947).
What are some examples of paradoxes?
An example of a paradox is "Waking is dreaming".
Why Do Writers Use Paradox?
Paradoxes are helpful for capturing the sometimes bewildering duality of life. A writer might choose to employ paradox for various reasons, including:
What is the paradox in Romeo and Juliet?
In the first scene of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, Romeo has not yet met Juliet and is still heartbroken over his first crush, Rosalind. Shakespeare expresses the whirling confusion of his emotions in this moment with a series of oxymorons and paradoxes.
What is the theme of the second paradox?
The second paradox references a central theme of the play: the idea of love and hatred coinciding (remember that the play is about children from warring families falling in love?). The third paradox expresses Romeo's exasperation that such beautiful things could come together to make such a mess. After a number of oxymorons —which express Romeo's sense of confusion in love—the final paradox is Romeo's expression of sorrow that his feeling of love is unrequited.
What is paradox in speech?
What is paradox? Here’s a quick and simple definition: A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is much too important to be taken seriously" is a paradox.
What is paradox in literature?
In literature, paradoxes can create humor, express the confusion or frustration of a seeming impossibility, or make clear the absurdity of an unexpected situation.
Why do people use the word "paradox"?
Some additional key details about paradox: People often use the word paradox simply to express their astonishment at something unexpected or enigmatic, but this is a misuse of the word. In the study of logic, paradoxes have a slightly different meaning than the one we cover in this entry.
How many words are in an oxymoron?
While an oxymoron is usually made up of just two words, a paradox can be expressed in many different ways, as a concept or a description of a situation.
What is a literary paradox?
To put it simply, a literary paradox uses language figuratively to create a different and unexpected meaning. A logical paradox, on the other hand, is hopelessly contradictory despite the speaker’s attempt to use the language nonsensically to make it appear meaningful.
What is paradox in speech?
A paradox is a figure of speech that can seem silly or contradictory in form, yet it can still be true, or at least make sense in the context given. This is sometimes used to illustrate thoughts or statements that differ from traditional ideas.
What is the first paradox in Shakespeare's play?
The first paradox is found in the first two lines of this passage, in which Romeo expresses his longing for a love that is “blind” to see the path to fulfill his heart’s desires. The second paradox emphasizes the central theme of the play: the concept of love and hate colliding. The third paradox conveys Romeo’s exasperation over how something so beautiful could create such a mess. Finally, the last paradox portrays Romeo’s feelings of sorrow over an unrequited love.
What is the difference between literary and logical paradox?
For starters, if a meaning of a statement is contradictory in a manner that may not be resolved into something sensible, then it cannot be considered as logical.
What is paradox in writing?
Like other types of figurative languages, such as onomatopoeic words and hyperbole expressions, paradoxes allow authors to explore the complications of literary writing to challenge the extent of human judgment.
Why is paradox important in writing?
Paradox in Writing. From poetry to literature, and from speeches to song lyrics, paradox helps add color to any form of writing to keep readers and listeners engaged. This can either create humor or express confusion among an audience due to its absurdity.
Why do authors use paradoxes?
Paradoxes serve as an effective literary tool used to test the limits of one’s understanding. This can then lead to unexpected insights, which is why some of the most famous authors in history have used paradoxes in their works. “I can resist anything but temptation.”. – Oscar Wilde.
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What is the difference between hyperbole and public speaking?
It is often used in everyday conversations. Public Speaking Public speaking, also called oratory or oration, is the process of communicating information to a live audience.
What is hyperbole in a sentence?
An example of hyperbole is, “I would die for you.”. The sentence does not necessarily mean that one person is literally willing to die for the other, but it used to exaggerate the amount of love that one person has for another person.
How do similes work?
It can be done vocally (through verbal exchanges), through written media (books, websites, and magazines), visually (using graphs, charts, and maps) or non-verbally#N#. A simile is used with the aim of sparking an interesting connection in the reader’s mind.
What is personification in literature?
Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to non-living objects. Using personification affects the way readers imagine things, and it sparks an interest in the subject.
What is figurative language?
Figurative language refers to the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order and meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning, colorful writing, clarity, or evocative comparison. It uses an ordinary sentence to refer to something without directly stating it.
Why do writers use figurative language?
Fiction writers use figurative language to engage their audience using a more creative tone that provokes thinking and sometimes humor. It makes fiction writing more interesting and dramatic than the literal language that uses words to refer to statements of fact.
Examples of Paradoxes
The Paradox of Catch-22
- By definition, a catch-22 is a paradoxical and difficult dilemma comprised of two or more contradictory circumstances, thus rendering the situation inescapable. In his famed novel Catch-22, author Joseph Heller expands on this. "There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate …
Love's Paradox
- Many complicated but fundamental aspects of life could be deemed paradoxical before there was even a term for such a phenomenon—love is one of these. Martin Bergmann, playing Professor Levy, talks about this in the film Crimes and Misdemeanors. "You will notice that what we are aiming at when we fall in love is a very strange paradox. The paradox consists of the fact that, w…
The Evolution of Paradox
- Over the years, the meaning of paradox has somewhat changed. This excerpt from A Dictionary of Literary Terms tells how. "Originally a paradoxwas merely a view which contradicted accepted opinion. By round about the middle of the 16th c. the word had acquired the commonly accepted meaning it now has: an apparently self-contradictory (even absurd) s...
Paradox as An Argumentative Strategy
- As Kathy Eden points out, not only are paradoxes useful as literary devices, but also as rhetorical devices. "Useful as instruments of instruction because of the wonder or surprise they engender, paradoxes also work to undermine the arguments of one's opponents. Among the ways to accomplish this, Aristotle (Rhetoric 2.23.16) recommends in his manual for the rhetorician expo…
Kahlil Gibran's Paradoxes
- Paradoxes lend a certain surreal quality to writing, so writers with this vision in mind for their words are fond of the device. However, excessive use of paradoxes can make writing murky and confusing. Author of The Prophet Kahlil Gibran employed so many thinly-veiled paradoxes in his book that his work was called vague by writer for The New Yorker Joan Acocella. "At times [in T…
Humor in Paradoxes
- As S.J. Perelman proves in his book Acres and Pains, paradoxical situations can be just as amusing as they are frustrating. "I dare say that one of the strangest contradictions to beset contradiction fanciers recently was the situation confronting anybody who was seeking shelter in New York City. Not only were hotel rooms scarcer than the heath hen—after all, you could pick u…
Sources
- Acocella, Joan. “The Prophet Motive.” The New Yorker, no. 2008, 30 Dec. 2007.
- Allen, Woody, director. Crimes and Misdemeanors. Orion Pictures, 3 Nov. 1989.
- Chesterton, G. K. The Outline of Sanity. IHS Press, 1926.
- Coen, Ethan, and Joel Coen, directors. The Ladykillers. 26 Mar. 2004.