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Motifs
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
Key Examples in The Blithedale Romance
Chapter 11: The Wood-path
Explanation and Analysis—Self vs. Society:
In The Blithedale Romance, the following paradox arises: the members of Blithedale try to embrace their own individuality, but in order to create a haven in which they can express themselves, they must conform and collaborate in a way that stifles their individuality. More specifically, as they strive to make a perfect utopia (with the goal of rescuing individual identity from the clutches of industrialism), the characters must work together in a way that makes their identities and passions inextricably entwined. For example, in Chapter 11, Coverdale takes a holiday to relieve himself of the pressures of collective labor:
[...] to relieve my spirit of the irksomeness of a settled routine, I took a holiday. It was my purpose to spend it, all alone, from breakfast-time till twilight, in the deepest wood-seclusion that lay anywhere around us. Though fond of society, I was so constituted as to need these occasional retirements, even in a life like that of Blithedale, which was itself characterized by a remoteness from the world. Unless renewed by a yet farther withdrawal towards the inner circle of self-communion, I lost the better part of my individuality.
Related Themes:
