Dilemma: A Literary Device

Etymology of Dilemma

The word “dilemma” has its origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word “δί-λημμα” (di-lemma), which is a compound of “δι-” (di-), meaning “two,” and “λῆμμα” (lemma), meaning “premise” or “assumption.”

The term “dilemma” was originally used in Greek rhetoric to describe a type of argument or logical structure that presented two equally challenging or contradictory premises, often leading to a difficult choice or decision. This concept was later adopted into Latin and, subsequently, into English, where it now refers to a situation in which a person is faced with a choice between two undesirable options or a difficult decision with no easy solution.

Meanings of Dilemma

Aspect	Meanings
Difficult Choice	A dilemma is a situation in which a person must make a difficult choice between two or more options, all of which have drawbacks or undesirable consequences.
Predicament	It refers to a challenging or tricky situation where a decision needs to be made, often involving moral or ethical considerations.
Two Unpleasant Alternatives	A dilemma typically involves two alternatives, both of which are unsatisfactory, making the decision-making process particularly challenging.
Conflict of Interests	Dilemmas often arise from conflicts of interests or values, where one must balance competing priorities.
No Ideal Solution	In a dilemma, there is usually no ideal or perfect solution, and each option comes with its own set of problems or drawbacks.
Ethical or Moral Dilemma	Some dilemmas are specifically related to ethical or moral choices, where one must decide between right and wrong, often involving ethical principles or values.
Decision-Making Challenge	Dilemma can pose significant challenges in decision-making, as individuals must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Complex Problem	They often involve complex problems that require thoughtful consideration and may not have a straightforward solution.
Situational Conflict	Dilemmas can arise from conflicts within a particular situation, and they are common in literature, philosophy, and everyday life.
Intellectual Puzzle	Dilemma can also be intellectual puzzles or paradoxes that challenge one’s thinking and reasoning abilities.

Definition of Dilemma

A dilemma, as a literary device, is a narrative element that presents characters or the plot with a situation in which they must make a difficult choice between two equally undesirable alternatives.

This device is often employed to create tension, highlight moral conflicts, and reveal the complexities of human decision-making.

Dilemmas serve to engage the reader’s empathy and provoke contemplation on the characters’ internal struggles and the consequences of their choices.

Types of Dilemma

1. Moral Dilemma: Characters are faced with a moral choice, where they must decide between right and wrong, often challenging their ethical values.
2. Ethical Dilemma: These dilemmas involve complex questions of ethics and often revolve around societal or professional codes of conduct.
3. Romantic Dilemma: Characters encounter conflicts in their romantic relationships, such as choosing between two love interests or grappling with issues of loyalty and fidelity.
4. Existential Dilemma: These dilemmas delve into questions about the meaning of life, existence, and one’s purpose, often leading to philosophical introspection.
5. Social Dilemma: Characters confront dilemmas related to society, politics, or community, where their choices impact the larger group or world around them.
6. Personal Dilemma: These dilemmas focus on a character’s internal struggles, such as dealing with inner conflicts, fears, or doubts.
7. Professional Dilemma: Characters face dilemmas related to their careers or positions, often involving choices that could affect their reputation or job security.
8. Survival Dilemma: In stories of adventure or survival, characters must make choices that determine their physical well-being or safety.

Common Examples of Dilemmas

1. Career Dilemma:
   • Choosing between a higher-paying job and a job that aligns better with your passions and values.
   • Deciding whether to stay in a job with a toxic work environment or seek new employment.
2. Relationship Dilemma:
   • Balancing time between personal relationships and career responsibilities.
   • Navigating the decision to end a troubled relationship or work on its improvement.
3. Ethical Dilemma:
   • Witnessing unethical behavior at work and deciding whether to report it or stay silent.
   • Facing the choice of being honest about a mistake even if it could lead to negative consequences.
4. Health Dilemma:
   • Choosing between a healthier, but more expensive, meal option or a less healthy, but more affordable, one.
   • Deciding whether to prioritize exercise and sleep over work commitments.
5. Financial Dilemmas:
   • Deciding between saving money for the future or spending it on immediate wants and desires.
   • Choosing between investing in a potentially risky opportunity or playing it safe with savings.
6. Family Dilemma:
   • Balancing the needs and interests of different family members in decision-making.
   • Making choices about caregiving for aging parents, which may involve significant personal sacrifices.
7. Education Dilemmas:
   • Selecting between pursuing higher education and entering the workforce to support one’s family.
   • Deciding between the educational needs of children and financial constraints.
8. Environmental Dilemma:
   • Choosing between convenience and sustainability in daily choices like transportation and consumption.
   • Deciding to reduce one’s carbon footprint even if it means making sacrifices in lifestyle.
9. Social Dilemmas:
   • Facing dilemmas related to peer pressure, where one must choose between fitting in and staying true to their values.
   • Balancing social obligations with personal time and self-care.
10. Time Management Dilemma:
    • Prioritizing tasks and responsibilities when there is limited time in a day.
    • Choosing how to allocate time between work, family, and personal interests.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M. H. The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition. Oxford University Press, 1985.
2. Austin, J. L. How to Do Things with Words. Harvard University Press, 1962.
3. Foster, T. R. The Souls of Cyberfolk: Posthumanism as Vernacular Theory. University of Minnesota Press, 2001.
4. James, H. The Turn of the Screw. Penguin Classics, 2003.
5. Kierkegaard, S. Fear and Trembling. Penguin Classics, 1843.
6. Mill, J. S. On Liberty. Dover Publications, 1859.
7. Shakespeare, W. Hamlet. Folger Shakespeare Library, 1623.
8. Tolstoy, L. War and Peace. Oxford University Press, 1869.
9. Woolf, V. Mrs. Dalloway. Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1925.
10. Zimbardo, P. G. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. Random House, 2007.