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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 Doctor Faustus
Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Heavenly Necromancy:
At the start of the play, Faustus is disillusioned with the options afforded to him by traditional academia. In Scene 1, as Faustus soliloquizes on his decision to abandon the fields of medicine, law, and theology in favor of studying magic, he praises his chosen path by oxymoronically using the language of heaven to discuss his imminent sinful pursuits:
These metaphysics of magicians
And necromantic books are heavenly.
Related Themes:
