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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 Minister’s Black Veil
Paradox
Explanation and Analysis—Revealing by Obscuring:
A paradox is a statement or idea that appears at first to be contradictory, but which upon closer examination expresses some sort of essential truth. A paradox central to “The Minister’s Black Veil” is that Reverend Hooper obscures his face in an attempt to reveal a truth about humanity. The truth he is attempting to illustrate by wearing the black veil is expressed in a sermon he gives early on:
The sermon which he now delivered was marked by the same characteristics of style and manner as the general series of his pulpit oratory […] The subject had reference to secret sin, and those sad mysteries which we hide from our nearest and dearest, and would fain conceal from our own consciousness, even forgetting that the Omniscient can detect them.
Related Themes:
