The Sense of an Ending
by Julian Barnes

or to save your progress

The Sense of an Ending: Paradox 1 key example

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 Sense of an Ending

One
Explanation and Analysis—Great Unrest:

Barnes uses paradox to emphasize the instability of memory and history. The clearest example comes from a phrase Tony recalls from his high school days:

History is that certainty produced at the point where the imperfections of memory meet the inadequacies of documentation.