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
Act 5, scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Violence of Love :
Shakespeare repeatedly places language of desire and violence side by side to emphasize the paradox that love can be harmful. Othello himself constantly describes how it is the greatness of his love for Desdemona that dictates the greatness of his desire for violence. Just before he goes to kill Desdemona, he says:
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee
And love thee after. One more, and this the last. <he kisses her>
So sweet was ne’er so fatal. I must weep,
But they are cruel tears. This sorrow’s heavenly:
It strikes where it doth love.