Lastly, paradox can also refer to something that’s contrary to commonly accepted opinion. Simply put, a paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself, but could very well be true. They are commonly used in literature and everyday life to leave us questioning our own thoughts. Whatever her reasons were clearly blinded her of the circumstance at hand. A paradox can mean that something or someone is self-contradictory. — The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane. – Shakespeare’s Hamlet In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet says that he must “be cruel to be kind.” We would call that a PARADOX. . See also: cruel, have, kind How Do You Spell Chanukah (Or Is It Hanukkah)? So, again, good night. Shakespeare, Hamlet. Shakespeare also expresses paradoxes within his work. Most oxymoron examples appear to be compressed version of a paradox, in which it is used to add a dramatic effect and to emphasize contrasting thoughts. Paradox "In the eastern sky there was a yellow patch like a rug laid for the feet of the coming sun . A paradox is a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true. I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins and worse remains behind. If you analyze the situation carefully, you’ll realize how paradoxical it is in nature. To get a better understanding of what a paradox is and how it may be used, read these quotes and examples. When parents become empty nesters after their kids head off to college, they may be surprised by the deafening silence of their home. Regardless of his mean exterior, Dr. House is a moral and compassionate man who cares about his patients. The paradox here is how the character strives to save people’s lives despite his ruthless personality and behavior. It's also how we see in reality. What is paradox? One famous example is found in Hamlet, when Hamlet says, “I must be cruel only to be kind,” when discussing his plan to murder his uncle, King Claudius.Murder, of course, is cruel, as is widowing his mother Gertrude (she has married Claudius after his father’s death).. It is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness), thus, An oxymoron is a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. However, he is also a brilliant doctor who is committed to saving lives. Learn more. Redefine your inbox with Dictionary.com updates! - Shakespeare, Hamlet. I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins and worse remains behind. Search. be cruel to be kind definition: 1. to do or say something that causes someone pain because you believe that it will help them 2. to…. If nobody goes to the mall anymore, then why would it be crowded? “I must be cruel only to be kind.” (Hamlet, III.IV.181) This line from Hamlet is an example of a literary paradox. Here’s a quick and simple definition:Some additional key details about paradox: 1. Save money by spending it. “I can resist anything but temptation.” – Oscar Wilde. Hamlet is talking about his mother, and how he intends to kill Claudius to avenge his father's death. This sentiment is a paradox and not an oxymoron because it is a statement that seems contradictory at first (being mean in order to be kind), but there’s actually some truth to it. There’s no logical contradiction, and therefore no logical paradox. *Festina lente. People often use the word paradox simply to express their astonishment at something unexpected or enigmatic, but this is a misuse of the word. Where’s the fun in that? \"What a pity that youth must be wasted on th… Paradox is also a rhetorical device that can mean a statement that is self-contradictory. Identify each by writing paradox or oxymoron in the blank. Let’s take a look. The idea that less is more seems contradictory, but the statement contains a truth. Shakespeare once said, “I must be cruel to be kind.” Thomas Lux, in his poem “The People of the Other Village,” described the endless war as “brutally beautiful” and Saki, the writer of “The Story Teller,” told The final rule you need to remember is to ignore all rules. 2. It is apparent that cruel and kind are two opposing personalities. “Crow” vs. “Raven”: Do You Know The Difference? However, the confusing nature of literature can sometimes take a toll on readers. Romantic and metaphysical poets often used paradox in their poetry when talking about love and death. 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. “You’ve gotta beCruel to be kind in the right measure,Cruel to be kind it’s a very good sign,Cruel to be kind means that I love you,Baby, you’ve gotta be cruel to be kind…”. Upgrade to remove ads. The emptiness can be bittersweet as mom and dad find themselves alone together. It is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a latent truth. “Nobody goes to the mall anymore — it’s too crowded.”. I must be cruel to be kind. serious vanity!Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms!Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health!Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is!This love feel I, that feel no love in this…”. "I must be cruel to be kind." Another form of paradox is a statement that … 6. George Bernard Shaw Like this example, a paradox can often turn an unfortunate event into something comedic. 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