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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 Great Expectations
Book 2, Chapter 39
Explanation and Analysis—A Smile or a Frown?:
In Chapter 39, when Pip's true patronage is revealed, Dickens describes the unreadable feelings displayed on Provis's face through the use of a paradox. As the returned convict gazes at Pip, the narrator describes his expression as
A smile that was like a frown, and with a frown that was like a smile.
Related Themes:
