Previous
Mood
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 1, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Paradox of Marriage:
During his conversation with Jack in Act 1, Part 1, Algernon makes several paradoxical statements about marriage. When Jack says that he has come to London in order to propose to Gwendolen, Algernon quips that he didn't realize Jack had come to town on a business matter:
Jack: How utterly unromantic you are!
Algernon: I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal.
Related Themes:
Act 1, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Hard Work Doing Nothing:
During Jack and Algernon's discussion of their evening plans, Algernon makes a paradoxical and seemingly nonsensical statement about work:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Algernon: It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don't mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind.
Act 2, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—(Un)happy Endings:
Act 2, Part 1 contains a paradox, when Cecily questions Miss Prism about her three-volume novel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Cecily: I hope it did not end happily? I don't like novels that end happily. They depress me so much.
Miss Prism: The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.
Cecily: I suppose so. But it seems very unfair.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Seriousness/Triviality:
While Jack and Algernon mope and eat muffins in the garden, Algernon makes an apparently paradoxical statement about Jack's character:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Algernon: Well, one must be serious about something, if one wants to have any amusement in life... What on earth you are serious about I haven't got the remotest idea. About everything, I should fancy. You have such an absolutely trivial nature.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—(Un)happy Endings:
Act 2, Part 1 contains a paradox, when Cecily questions Miss Prism about her three-volume novel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Cecily: I hope it did not end happily? I don't like novels that end happily. They depress me so much.
Miss Prism: The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.
Cecily: I suppose so. But it seems very unfair.
Related Themes:
