Paradox

Presented by: Sara Parker and Amanda Melini Frederick: Writers Mind

What is a Paradox?

A Paradox is a statement that is inconsistent because it often contains two statements that are both true, which in general cannot both be true at the same time.

Why is Paradox useful in writing?Paradoxes have serious effects in

the world of literature with reasons as they make statements that often sum up the main ideas of the work.

It is more interesting for a reader to have to carve out the meaning than to have it fed to them.

How can Paradox be difficult in writing?

Confusing for the reader and writer.

Many writers just want to get to the point and don’t want to be creative and use harder rhetorical devices.

Sometimes writers might have a hard time deciding on what paradox to use in their writing.

Example“Take some more tea”, the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly. “I’ve had nothing yet”, Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I can’t take more”. “You mean you can’t take less”, said the Hatter: “It’s very easy to take more than nothing”. “Nobody asked your opinion,” said Alice. “Who’s making personal remarks now?” the Hatter asked triumphantly. – Lewis Caroll in “Alice in Wonderland”.

Examples from Literature

I must be cruel to be kind. - Shakespeare in "Hamlet".

All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. - George Orwell.

A dog growls when it's angry, and wags its tail when it's pleased. Now I growl when I'm pleased and wag my tail when I'm angry. - The Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".

Example in Poetry

What was today’s begunTo look more like yesterday; And tomorrow was muchToo early when it came.But then tomorrow showsMore promise than today, That same day which will soonTransform into yesterday.

Examples in Poetry I am unique : yet still humaneI am different : and yet the sameI am male : yet, my tears hideI am old : yet young insideI am weak : yet am made strongI am equal : yet complementI am open : yet introspectI am open-eyed : who but ISees life contrariwise

Writing Activity Using ParadoxDirections: Write a five to ten line poem (about anything you want) using paradox based on what we have taught.