PARADOX
“A statement that seems contradictory but actually presents a truth" (Wiggins 407).
"In literature, paradox is not just a clever or comical statement or use of words. Paradox has serious implication because it makes statements that often summarize the major themes of the work they are used in" (literarydevices.net).
PARADOXES IN MEDIA
Paradoxes can be found in many modern forms of writing, including poetry and songs. In this song, "Hand in My Pocket", the author, Alanis Morissete, uses paradoxes to better convey that not everything is perfect in her life, but she knows everything will be fine.
Paradoxes can be found in classic literature as well as in modern media. This is an example in which a paradox was used in a classic novel.
This is a funny paradox because it is both true and false and contradicts itself. When Pinocchio says his nose will grow , he is lying. Howeever, by saying that his nose will grow, his nose will grow and he will be telling the truth, therefore his nose will not grow.
PARADOXES IN LITERATURE
From The Outcasts of Poker Flat:
“Beneath the snow lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat” (online-literature.com).
“Beneath the snow lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat” (online-literature.com).
From The Devil And Tom Walker:
“One might always tell when he had sinned most during the week, by the clamor of his Sunday devotion” (Wiggins 237).
“One might always tell when he had sinned most during the week, by the clamor of his Sunday devotion” (Wiggins 237).
From The Scarlet Letter:
“By bringing me hither, to die this death of ignominy triumphant before the people” (Hawthorne 197).
“By bringing me hither, to die this death of ignominy triumphant before the people” (Hawthorne 197).
Analysis:
A paradox is used in literature to explain complex thoughts or ideas. In The Devil and Tom Walker the author, Washington Irving, describes a situation in which Tom Walker acts in contradiction, the author states, “one might always tell when he had sinned most during the week, by the clamor of his sunday devotion” (Wiggins 237). Tom walker performs a paradox by being both a devout and a sinner. These two opposites contained in one person creates a complex character. A paradox is also used in The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, by Mr. Dimmesdale to explain his thoughts on finally revealing his sin. when Mr. Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold he proclaims, “By bringing me hither, to die this death of ignominy triumphant before the people” (197). When Mr. Dimmesdale shouts a “death of ignominy triumphant” he is claiming a shameful victorious death. These two adjectives contradict themselves but explain the complicated situation Mr. Dimmesdale is facing. He is shamed due to his sin but he has overcome his fear of admitting his wrong doing. A paradox is present in The Outcasts of Poker Flat, by Bret Harte as well. In this example the paradox is used to describe a character. Harte writes, “beneath the snow lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat” (Online-literature.com). In this instance the character had just committed suicide to save food and supplies for his companions. For this action he was the strongest for being a leader, however, due to the fact that he gave up and killed himself he was the weakest of the group. Paradoxes are found in literature to further clarify complicated ideas and concepts.