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Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Key Examples in Absalom, Absalom!
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Doomed to Live :
In his letter to Judith, written while he and Henry are serving in the Confederate army, Charles makes the paradoxical claim that he and Judith are "among those who are doomed to live":
I cannot say when to expect me. Because what IS is something else again because it was not even alive then. And since because within this sheet of paper you now hold the best of the old South which is dead, and the words you read were written upon it with the best (each box said, the very best) of the new North which has conquered and which therefore, whether it likes it or not, will have to survive, I now believe that you and I are, strangely enough, included among those who are doomed to live.
Related Themes:
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Outliving Yourself :
The novel ends with a summary of past events reconstructed by Shreve, who can only conjecture beyond what he has learned from Quentin, who has himself only learned of the deaths of Charles Bon and Thomas Sutpen through the unreliable stories other have told him. As he reflects upon all that he has both heard and imagined, Shreve uses a paradox:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“The South. Jesus. No wonder you folks all outlive yourselves by years and years and years.” It was becoming quite distinct; he would be able to decipher the words soon, in a moment; even almost now, now, now.
“I am older at twenty than a lot of people who have died,” Quentin said.
"And more people have died than have been twenty-one,” Shreve said.
Related Themes:
