The Sense of an Ending

by Julian Barnes

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
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.