This literary device is commonly used to engage a reader to discover an underlying logic in a seemingly self-contradictory statement or phrase. As a result, paradox
allows readers to understand concepts in a different and even non-traditional way
.
Why are paradoxes important?
The purpose of a paradox is
to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought
. The statement “Less is more” is an example. Francis Bacon’s saying, “The most corrected copies are commonly the least correct,” is an earlier literary example.
What is the purpose of a paradox in literature?
A paradox is an apparently self-contradictory statement, the underlying meaning of which is revealed only by careful scrutiny. The purpose of a paradox is
to arrest attention and provoke fresh thought
. The statement “Less is more” is an example.
What is the effect of paradox in writing?
This self-referential statement is an example of a paradox—a contradiction that questions logic. In literature,
paradoxes can elicit humor, illustrate themes, and provoke readers to think critically
.
How does paradox effect the audience?
A paradox is
used to make the audience really consider the situation it presents
. Since the situation in a paradox is contradictory, it causes a pause in reading for additional understanding. … Because something is “off” about the statement, the reader must consider it longer before proceeding.
What are some paradoxes in life?
- The more something frightens you, the more you should face it. …
- The more you can’t trust, the more you can’t be trusted. …
- The more often you fail, the more chance you have to succeed in the end.
How do you explain a paradox?
A paradox is a
statement that contradicts itself
, or that must be both true and untrue at the same time. Paradoxes are quirks in logic that demonstrate how our thinking sometimes goes haywire, even when we use perfectly logical reasoning to get there. But a key part of paradoxes is that they at least sound reasonable.
What is an example of paradox in literature?
One final example of a paradox in literature can be found in
Animal Farm by George Orwell
, in which, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” is a principle dictum of a society of animals Orwell uses as an allegory for human society.
What is a paradox in simple terms?
1 : a tenet contrary to received opinion. 2a :
a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true
. b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true.
What is true about the paradox of literature?
A paradox is
a statement that may seem contradictory but can be true
(or at least make sense). This makes them stand out and play an important role in literature and everyday life. Take the statement “Less is more.” This statement uses two opposites to contradict one another. …
Is paradox a figure of 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.
What is paradox effect?
A paradox is
a contrary to any expectations, existing beliefs or perceived opinions
. When a reader looks at a paradox, they look over the idea in a more innovative way. When a reader sees a paradox, think of it as a “Huh, that’s interesting” moment.
What is a famous paradox?
Russell’s paradox
is the most famous of the logical or set-theoretical paradoxes. Also known as the Russell-Zermelo paradox, the paradox arises within naïve set theory by considering the set of all sets that are not members of themselves.
What is the opposite of paradox?
paradox. Antonyms:
precept
, proposition, axiom, truism, postulate. Synonyms: contradiction, enigma, mystery, absurdity, ambiguity.
What is paradoxical situation?
Paradoxical is an adjective that
describes a paradox
, something with two meanings that don’t make sense together. Its Greek roots translate to “contrary opinion,” and when two different opinions collide in one statement or action, that’s paradoxical.
What figure of speech is loud silence?
One
oxymoron
example is “deafening silence,” which describes a silence that is so overpowering it almost feels deafening, or extremely loud—just as an actual sound would.
