Previous
Motifs
Definition of Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to... read full definition
Act 4, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—A Tame Snake :
In Act 4, Scene 3, after Rosalind receives Phoebe’s message from Silvius, she chides him for continuing to allow Phoebe to use and mistreat him. She uses an oxymoron to describe Silvius’s character:
Wilt thou love such a woman? What, to make thee an instrument and play false strains upon thee? Not to be endured. Well, go your way to her, for I see love hath made thee a tame snake[.]
Related Themes:
