Antithesis and oxymoron, two additional literary concepts, and paradox have some similarities. Although they are connected, the phrases have different meanings in literature. Learn about paradox in writing as a literary device—its meaning, how it works, and its purpose, with examples from literature.
Definition
A person, circumstance, or action possessing apparent contradictions in their characteristics or phases.
Example
For instance, Wilde shows the character's incapacity to resist temptation by using the statements' conflicting notions in Oscar Wilde’s play Lady Windermere’s Fan, the character Lord Darlington says: “I can resist everything except temptation.”
Comparison
Antithesis and oxymoron, two additional literary concepts, and paradox have some similarities. Although they are connected, the phrases have different meanings in literature.
1. An antithesis is a rhetorical device that contrasts two concepts. Antitheses, as opposed to paradoxes, emphasize the antithesis of the conflicting notions. A notable example of an antithesis is Neil Armstrong's remark, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," made in 1969 after he set foot on the moon. The juxtaposition of the little steps and the enormous stairs highlights the magnitude of the occasion, yet there is no conflict between the two concepts.
2. The combination of two words whose meanings conflict is known as an oxymoron.An oxymoron is a contradiction between just two words, whereas a paradox involves the opposition of ideas or concepts. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare serves as an illustration of an oxymoron in literature. Juliet says that Romeo's leaving is "sweet sorrow" in the balcony scene.
Conclusion
Paradox is any statement or set of words that are contradictory in nature.
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