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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 Left Hand of Darkness
Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Ignorance:
In the following example of paradox from Chapter 5, Genly first encounters the foreign religious doctrines of the foretellers, which are quite dissimilar from the religions he has thus far been exposed to:
"[P]erhaps you'll want to speak to the Weaver? He's down in the glade now, unless he went out with the woodsledge. Or would you rather first talk to one of the Celibates?"
"I'm not sure. I'm exceedingly ignorant—"
The young man laughed and bowed.
"I am honored!" he said. "I've lived here three years, but haven't yet acquired enough ignorance to be worth mentioning."
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