The Overstory Literary Devices

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

Explanation and Analysis—Being Alone:

Early in "Trunk," just after Olivia Vandergriff's near-death experience, she begins to hear voices in her head that support her and guide her actions. This leads her to realize what she thinks to be a paradox, a "contradiction in terms":

For the first time, she realizes that being alone is a contradiction in terms. Even in a body’s most private moments, something else joins in. Someone spoke to her when she was dead. Used her head as a screen for disembodied thoughts.

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Explanation and Analysis—Metamorphosis:

At the end of "Crown," Patricia observes what she thinks is "the single best thing you can do for the world": Neelay's decision not to kill himself due to the magnificent sight of a nearby redwood tree. The best thing a person can do for the world, then, is appreciate nature so much that it makes them appreciate their own life more. But Patricia recognizes a problem with this belief, that the word "world" actually refers to two contradicting ideas. This paradox reveals an important distinction within the novel's depiction of nature:

The single best thing you can do for the world. It occurs to her: The problem begins with that word world. It means two such opposite things. The real one we cannot see. The invented one we can’t escape. She lifts the glass and hears her father read out loud: Let me sing to you now, about how people turn into other things.

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The Overstory: Paradox 2 key examples

Definition of Paradox