Paradox – That’s not Right!

It’s a real head scratcher when the illogical and contradictory make sense as a logical argument. This is one way you can learn to identify paradoxes. Paradox is both tricky and confusing to master, but once you get, you will always be able to identify a paradoxical comment or situation.

What is Paradox?

So, what exactly is a paradox? A paradox is a literary device that presents the illogical and the contradictory in such a way that the statement seems sound and logical but when considered seems senseless and logically impossible. Example: “If I know one thing, it’s that I know nothing.”

When do writers use Paradox?

Writers typically use paradox in their writing when they want to draw the reader in and make them think critically about an idea or statement.

When do Writers use Paradox?

Writers primarily use paradoxes to force the reader to stop and think. However, paradox may also be used to reveal deeper truths about a character. A great example of the latter is Shakespeare’s (I know. He’s everywhere. All the time) Hamlet. In the scene being referred to, Hamlet tells his mother, “I must be cruel only to be kind” to convey that his actions are only meant to protect her.

Explain the types of Paradox

Depending on who you ask regarding what types of paradox exist, you may get anything from there are no types; paradox is paradox to up to 10 different subtypes (i.e., types) of paradox. However, in writing, it is generally accepted that there are two forms of paradox. They are:

Logical – The logical paradox was coined by an ancient Greek philosopher named Elea, who popularized the technique. As you may have already guessed, logical paradoxical statements are most common in philosophical and ethical discussions and debates.

Literary – The second type is literary, which, as writers we are primarily concerned with. A literary paradox presents an inherent truth that when read carefully, you realize it belies contradictory ideas.

Paradox in Literature 📚

Paradox abounds in literature, particularly the great epics and Shakespearean plays. One of the most famous examples of paradox in literature occurs in John Milton’s Paradise Lost when Lucifer says, “It’s better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” The paradox in this statement lies in the contradiction between ruling in Hell and servitude in Heaven. As far as Lucifer sees, it is better for him to rule as a God in Hell than be subservient to an inconstant God in Heaven.

And from Shakepeare’s Hamlet,

At first glance, everything in this statement is just plain wrong. But if read as part of the whole, the reader does the playwright’s bidding and stops to reconsider the meaning of these words. In this passage, Hamlet explains to his mother that while his actions may seem cruel, everything he is doing is for her protection.

Paradox in Children’s Literature 🧸

One of the greatest wonders of children’s literature is the paradox of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. What’s curious about Carroll’s work is that children are unlikely to notice the paradox. This is because the entire novel is a paradox consisting of complete and total nonsense until the big lesson is revealed at the end, so in a sense, it could be argued the book is meant more for adults or children. Perhaps that’s why the late, great Tom Petty chose the story as the theme in his music video for “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” Hmmm …

Another great example, deep though it may be, comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins’ statement:

“I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve,”

is a paradoxical statement because it illustrates that he knows both a lot and a little about those he is speaking with.

And last but not least, for the young adult’s coming-of age story, and example of paradox in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye When Holden Caulfield comments,

he contradicts himself because he says that he is both literate and illiterate at the same time. What he means is that while he is actually very well-read, he hasn’t learned very much and feels he knows nothing.

Paradox in Song 🎧

Much like the Hamlet of Shakespeare, Nick Lowe also felt he had to be cruel to be kind in order to prove his love. Take a listen for yourself.

“Cruel to be Kind” (1979), Nick Lowe

And in Poetry … in Poetry ✍🏽

One of the more complex examples of paradox in poetry is that of William Faulkner in “As I lay Dying,”

Basically, Faulkner is saying that life is a preparation for what comes after death. As a result, we must live rightfully in order to prepare for our judgment at the end.

In “The Tuft of Flowers,” Robert Frost writes:

While just a snippet, what Frost is trying to convey through the use of paradox is that all our childhood experiences become the basis for who we are as adults.

Paradox in Film and Pop Culture 🎥

One of the best examples of paradox in film and pop culture occurs when Marty goes back in time and bumps into his parents before he was ever born. Back to the Future (1984)

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-paradox-definition/

Perhaps, one of the greatest paradoxes in film is the very concept of Inception (2010). Inception is special because the film itself is a paradox in that it is a dreamworld set within a dream. Now that the thought is out there, Vanilla Sky (2001) is pretty much the same concept with its structure of most of the film taking place within the lucid dream of the primary character.

Often Confused With … 👥

Paradox is often confused with its “cousins,” juxtaposition and oxymoron. But while it’s easy to see why the confusion may occur, they are not the same and cannot be used interchangeably.
 Juxtaposition – Created by placing two separate objects or ideas next to each other to create contrast. A popular example is apples and oranges.
Oxymoron – The intentional act of placing two unlike words or phrases next to each other to create a new word or phrase. Example: virtual + reality = virtual reality

FAQ 🤔