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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
Book 1, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—No Way Out:
As the funeral procession proceeds from the home to the church where the service will take place, the Arab nurse outlines to Meursault the paradox of walking too fast versus walking too slow:
She said, “If you go slowly, you risk getting sunstroke. But if you go too fast, you work up a sweat and then catch a chill inside the church.” She was right. There was no way out.
Related Themes:
Book 2, Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Meursault Without Hope:
The final lines of The Stranger involve Meursault embracing his execution in a seemingly paradoxical manner:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself—so like a brother, really—I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate.
Related Themes:
