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Oxymorons
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
Explanation and Analysis—The Mechanical Hound:
The name of the Mechanical Hound is an oxymoron: a mechanical thing is a man-made machine, whereas a hound is a biological creature. The Mechanical Hound occupies a liminal space between the animal and the mechanical, and fittingly, it is often described with paradoxes. For instance, this passage from Part 1 describes it as follows:
The Mechanical Hound slept but did not sleep, lived but did not live in its gently humming, gently vibrating, softly illuminated kennel back in a dark corner of the firehouse.
Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—The Mechanical Hound:
The name of the Mechanical Hound is an oxymoron: a mechanical thing is a man-made machine, whereas a hound is a biological creature. The Mechanical Hound occupies a liminal space between the animal and the mechanical, and fittingly, it is often described with paradoxes. For instance, this passage from Part 1 describes it as follows:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Mechanical Hound slept but did not sleep, lived but did not live in its gently humming, gently vibrating, softly illuminated kennel back in a dark corner of the firehouse.
