Beloved

by Toni Morrison

Beloved: Paradox 2 key examples

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
Part 1, Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Story to Pass On:

The novel's epilogue paradoxically suggests that the story should not be passed on, repeating variations of the phrase

This is not a story to pass on.

Part 1, Chapter 18
Explanation and Analysis—Safety:

Sethe holds a paradoxical view of safety as a result of slavery's impact on her values and mental state. In Chapter 18, she frames her attempted murder of her children as saving them:

I took and put my babies where they’d be safe.

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Part 3, Chapter 28
Explanation and Analysis—Story to Pass On:

The novel's epilogue paradoxically suggests that the story should not be passed on, repeating variations of the phrase

This is not a story to pass on.

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