What are the examples of figurative language?
What are three examples of figurative language?
- Metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action, though it is not literally applicable.
- Simile.
- Hyperbole.
- Idiom.
- Synecdoche.
- Personification.
- Allusion.
- Oxymoron.
What are examples of paradox?
Paradox of Liberty; Freedom for all ... groups experience freedom in this country in the way that white Americans experience freedom. For example, the Voting Rights Bill keeps getting blocked in the senate and restrictive voting bills like the one passed ...
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.
What is the difference between an oxymoron and a paradox?
- Paradox A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true.
- Oxymoron A figureof speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g. ...
- Juxtaposition Thefact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Is Paradox a 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... See full answer below.
What is an example for 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.
What is a simple meaning of paradox?
Definition of paradox 1 : one (such as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases. 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 are 5 examples of a paradox?
Common Examples of Paradoxless is more.do the thing you think you cannot do.you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.the enemy of my enemy is my friend.the beginning of the end.if you don't risk anything, you risk everything.earn money by spending it.nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.More items...
What is a paradox in literature?
A literary paradox is a contradiction that resolves to reveal a deeper meaning behind a contradiction. In John Donne's “Holy Sonnet 11,” the poet states: “Death, thou shalt die.” Initially, this line appears not to make sense.
What is a good sentence for paradox?
(1) The facts pose something of a paradox. (2) It's a paradox that in such a rich country there can be so much poverty. (3) It is a curious paradox that professional comedians often have unhappy personal lives. (4) The paradox is that the region's most dynamic economies have the most primitive financial systems.
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 does paradox mean in poetry?
Glossary of Poetic Terms As a figure of speech, it is a seemingly self-contradictory phrase or concept that illuminates a truth.
Why is paradox used?
paradox, 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.
What is a paradox in Romeo and Juliet?
The paradox of Romeo occurs when he sees juliet for the first time and immediately falls in love with her in sight. He uses paradox when he states that he has no way to explain or describe the way he felt when he first seen Juliet at sight.
What is the paradox of being me?
“The Paradox of Being Human” is how Simon Sinek refers to life's constant conflict between selfishness and selflessness: between “me” and “we.” We spend our lives vacillating between the two perspectives; zigging towards our own wants and zagging towards pleasing others.
What is the best paradox?
To better understand them, we've compiled a list of some famous paradoxes that will surely blow your mind.01 The Liar Paradox.02 The Fermi Paradox.03 The Unexpected Hanging Paradox.04 Schrödinger's Cat Paradox.05 The Interesting Number Paradox.06 The Crocodile Paradox.07 The Lottery Paradox.More items...•
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:
What is paradox in writing?
Paradox is a way for writers to create verbal or situational irony. In a broad sense, irony itself is a literary device in which what appears to be said, expected, or taking place on the surface of a literary work is very different from what is actually the case.
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.
What is the difference between an oxymoron and a paradox?
An oxymoron, however, is a combination and juxtaposition of two words that contradict each other , but serve as a sound or logical figure of speech. Whereas oxymoron is a contradiction in terms, paradox is made up of contradictory phrases or sentences.
Why is paradox important?
It’s important for writers to construct proper paradox so that the meaning is not lost for the reader.
What are some examples of paradoxes?
Paradox is also found in many examples of poetry, prose, drama, lyrics, and clever quotations. Here are some famous examples of paradox: 1 “I can’t live with or without you” ( With or Without You, lyrics by U2) 2 “Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it” (Ghandi) 3 “Men work together…Whether they work together or apart” ( Robert Frost) 4 “It’s weird not to be weird” (John Lennon) 5 “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once” ( Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare) 6 “Life is a preparation for the future; and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none” (Albert Einstein) 7 “I know one thing, that I know nothing” (Socrates, as according to Plato) 8 “I’m Nobody! Who are you? / Are you – Nobody – too?” ( Emily Dickinson) 9 “I’m My Own Grandpa” (lyrics by Ray Stevens) 10 “ All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” ( Animal Farm by George Orwell)
What is the literary paradox?
Literary Paradox in Depth. The special ability of the figure of speech called paradox—which is to simultaneously seem self-contradictory and yet also reveal unexpected meaning—often depends on words that can be interpreted in more than one way.
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 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.
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.
What are some examples of paradoxes?
These contradictions are examples of paradox: War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength. The general population of this dystopian future seems numb to the contradiction inherent in this phrase, and this is part of why Orwell sees this society as so dangerous.
Why does Hamlet use a paradox?
As Hamlet interrogates his mother, Gertrude, in Act 3 Scene 4 of Hamlet, after mistakenly killing Polonius, he uses a paradox to explain why he has committed such violent actions and why he has been berating his mother for remarrying Claudius (the brother of Hamlet's father).
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.
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).
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.
Can a paradox be positive?
A paradox can have positive or negative connotations, can be used in writing or speech, and can be used individually or within a set of paradoxes—these are flexible devices. To get a better understanding of what a paradox is and how it may be used, read these quotes and examples.
What is Figure of Speech?
The figure of speech is the ordinary usage of language that is employed to create emphasis, amplify meanings, draw comparisons or make distinct rhetorical points. They are also termed figurative language and rhetorical devices.
What is Paradox?
Paradox is a figure of speech that seems to lead to an illogical contradiction or a situation that contradicts common sense and reasoning. Paradoxical statements contradict themselves while creating a rare sense of depth in language.
Types of Paradoxes
There are two major types of paradoxes in English and they are elaborated on below:
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 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.
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 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.
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.
What are some examples of paradoxes?
Examples: “A time traveler goes back in time to murder her great-grandmother.”. If you analyze the situation carefully, you’ll realize how paradoxical it is in nature.
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.
What is paradox in literature?
Define paradox in literature: the definition of paradox in literature is a statement that seems to contradict itself but may nonetheless be true. In summary, a paradox is: a situation that presents events which seem unlikely to coexist. used to cause pause and refection in the audience.
What is paradox in writing?
A paradox is a tool that writer uses to present the unique features of a particular situation. 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. Orwell’s example from above does just that.
What is an example of a paradox?
Example of Paradox: Here’s an example of paradox from George Orwell’s Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”. This is a paradox because, as a situation, these two events are contradictory. It seems unlikely for animals to be more equal than others when they are all equal.
What is the difference between an oxymoron and a paradox?
Oxymoron: What’s the Difference? A paradox is a term that presents a situation where two events seem unlikely to coexist. An oxymoron is paradoxical in nature but is a figure of speech rather than a situation or event. An oxymoron is generally only two terms in length.
What is a paradox?
Paradox Definition. The term paradox is from the Greek word paradoxon, which means “contrary to expectations, existing belief, or perceived opinion.”. It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas.
Why is paradox important in literature?
Paradox has serious implications because it makes statements that often summarize the major themes of the work they are used in. Let us analyze some paradox examples from some famous literary works:
Why is paradox used when a message can be conveyed in a straightforward and simple manner?
Readers enjoy more when they extract the hidden meanings out of the writing rather than something presented to them in an uncomplicated manner. Thus, the chief purpose of a paradox is to give pleasure.
What is the purpose of paradox?
Thus, the chief purpose of a paradox is to give pleasure. In poetry, the use of paradox is not confined to mere wit and pleasure; rather, it becomes an integral part of poetic diction. Poets usually make use of paradox to create a remarkable thought or image out of words.
What are some examples of paradoxes?
Examples of Paradox. Your enemy’s friend is your enemy. I am nobody. “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young.”. – George Bernard Shaw. Wise fool. Truth is honey, which is bitter. “I can resist anything but temptation.”. – Oscar Wilde.
What does the poet say about childhood?
The poet is saying that the childhood experiences become the basis for all adult occurrences. The childhood of a person shapes his life, and consequently “fathers” or creates the grown-up adult. So, “The child is father of the man.”.
What Is an Easy Definition of a Paradox?
If you’re already feeling like you’ve just stumbled into a philosophy class, have no fear. The easiest way to understand paradox is through examples, which we’ll cover in great detail in subsequent sections.
What Is a Paradox?
A paradox has different definitions depending on where it’s being used—that’s where it starts getting complicated. These definitions can be tricky, but we’ll try to simplify things for you.
How Do Paradoxes Differ from Other Literary Devices?
Wondering how a paradox is similar to or different from other writing techniques like oxymoron? Let’s explore.
Paradox Definition
Paradox Examples
- Paradox appear in all sorts of writing, from literature, to speeches, to song lyrics. The examples below show some of each.
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: 1. To highlight the complexity of a certain situation, or point out the fallacy of a widely-held, preconceived notion. 2. To allude to an apparent contradiction and suggest that it might reveal a greater truth if it can be resolved. 3. T…
Other Helpful Paradox Resources
- Paradox Wikipedia Page: this entryis specific to paradox as a literary term, but you can also find the link to a general entry on paradox.
- American Rhetoric: this site catalogues examplesof literary devices like paradox in famous speeches from history, and even provides free audio clips of the speakers in action.
- Youtube explanation: this videooffers a thorough and clear definition of paradox, with helpful …
- Paradox Wikipedia Page: this entryis specific to paradox as a literary term, but you can also find the link to a general entry on paradox.
- American Rhetoric: this site catalogues examplesof literary devices like paradox in famous speeches from history, and even provides free audio clips of the speakers in action.
- Youtube explanation: this videooffers a thorough and clear definition of paradox, with helpful literary examples.
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.