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 Love's Labor's Lost
Act 3, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Dan Cupid:
In a soliloquy in the first scene of Act 3, Berowne half-jokingly laments his love for Rosaline. He uses a slew of oxymorons to describe Cupid, the physical embodiment of love:
This wimpled, whining, purblind, wayward boy,
This Signior Junior, giant dwarf, Dan Cupid,
Regent of love rhymes, lord of folded arms,
Th' anointed sovereign of sighs and groans,
Liege of all loiterers and malcontents,
[...]—O my little heart!
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Berowne's Eyes:
Ferdinand makes fun of Berowne’s interest in Rosaline, describing her as a “star” compared to the “moon” of her mistress, the Princess of France. Berowne responds to the taunt with an oxymoron:
Unlock with LitCharts A+BEROWNE
My eyes are then no eyes, nor I Berowne.
O, but for my love, day would turn to night!
Related Themes:
