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
Key Examples in Brideshead Revisited
Part 1, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Eldest Brideshead:
As Anthony Blanche talks Charles's ear off in Part 1, Chapter 2, he gradually assesses each member of the Flyte family, laying bare their respective characters. He uses several oxymorons to describe Brideshead, the eldest child and son of the Flyte clan:
“There’s Brideshead who’s something archaic, out of a cave that’s been sealed for centuries. He has the face as though an Aztec sculptor had attempted a portrait of Sebastian; he’s a learned bigot, a ceremonious barbarian, a snow-bound lama…."
Related Themes:
