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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
Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Gothic Vivacity :
When describing the nature of Mr Hardcastle’s character, Mrs Hardcastle uses an oxymoron, referring to his “Gothic vivacity” to highlight the duality of his personality. Telling Marlow of her desire for Mr Hardcastle to stop wearing his wig, she says:
But what do you think his answer was? Why, with his usual Gothic vivacity, he said I only wanted him to throw off his wig to convert it into a tête for my own wearing!
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Modest Impudence :
In Act 5, Hardcastle refers to Marlow’s “modest impudence,” an oxymoron which extends the play’s exploration of duality and hypocrisy. Frustrated by Marlow—who claims not to be in love with Hardcastle’s daughter, not yet realizing the woman he has been impressed by is Kate—Hardcastle vents in an aside:
Unlock with LitCharts A+MARLOW. But why won’t you hear me? By all that’s just and true, I never gave Miss Hardcastle the slightest mark of my attachment, or even the most distant hint to suspect me of affection. We had but one interview, and that was formal, modest, and uninteresting.
HARDCASTLE (Aside). This fellow’s formal modest impudence is beyond bearing.
Related Themes:
Act 5
Explanation and Analysis—Modest Impudence :
In Act 5, Hardcastle refers to Marlow’s “modest impudence,” an oxymoron which extends the play’s exploration of duality and hypocrisy. Frustrated by Marlow—who claims not to be in love with Hardcastle’s daughter, not yet realizing the woman he has been impressed by is Kate—Hardcastle vents in an aside:
Unlock with LitCharts A+MARLOW. But why won’t you hear me? By all that’s just and true, I never gave Miss Hardcastle the slightest mark of my attachment, or even the most distant hint to suspect me of affection. We had but one interview, and that was formal, modest, and uninteresting.
HARDCASTLE (Aside). This fellow’s formal modest impudence is beyond bearing.
Related Themes:
