Paradox: How to Create

Introduction to Paradox

It is easy to define paradox. It, as a literary device, refers to the deliberate juxtaposition of contradictory ideas or statements within a narrative framework, aimed at generating intellectual or rhetorical impact. Therefore, paradox means contradiction of things. This technique serves to engage readers by provoking contemplation of apparent contradictions, fostering nuanced interpretation, and encouraging a deeper appreciation of the complexities inherent in the subject matter or theme being explored.

How to Create Paradox

Creating paradoxes in literature is a powerful way to challenge readers’ assumptions and create a sense of intellectual and emotional tension. Here are some tips for creating effective paradoxes in your writing:

Step	Explanation	Practical Example
Start with an Apparent Contradiction	Begin by introducing conflicting ideas or concepts that seem incompatible at first glance. This contrast forms the foundation of the paradox.	In Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the line “I must be cruel to be kind” presents a paradox by suggesting that an act of cruelty can be motivated by kindness, challenging the conventional understanding of these two opposing traits.
Use Figurative Language	Employ metaphors, similes, or other forms of figurative language to juxtapose disparate elements, enhancing the vividness of the paradox and amplifying its impact.	In John Donne’s poem “The Flea,” the speaker uses the metaphor of a flea to connect the act of intimate physical contact with the concept of innocence, creating a paradoxical situation that links seemingly unrelated ideas.
Use Irony	Employ situational, verbal, or dramatic irony to underscore the disparity between what is expected and what actually transpires, accentuating the paradoxical nature of the situation.	In O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi,” the characters’ selfless actions to buy gifts for each other result in situations where the gifts become useless due to the sacrifices made, emphasizing the paradox of well-intentioned actions leading to unexpected outcomes.
Create a Sense of Surprise	Craft unexpected outcomes or conclusions that subvert conventional expectations, leading readers to reassess their initial assumptions and perceptions.	In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the phrase “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” creates a paradox by juxtaposing equality and inequality, challenging readers to reconsider the true nature of the society being depicted.
Emphasize the Tension	Heighten the tension between opposing elements by elaborating on their implications, forcing readers to grapple with the complexity of the paradox and its underlying themes.	In Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” the protagonist’s transformation into a giant insect presents a paradoxical situation that explores themes of identity, isolation, and societal norms, compelling readers to confront the tension between the familiar and the bizarre.

Benefits of Using Paradox

1. Provoking Critical Thinking: Paradoxes stimulate readers to engage actively with the text, encouraging them to question assumptions and analyze the interplay of contradictory concepts.
2. Enhancing Literary Depth: By introducing paradoxes, writers can imbue their work with layers of complexity, inviting readers to explore deeper meanings and interpretations.
3. Arousing Emotional Resonance: Paradoxes evoke a sense of intrigue and emotional tension, fostering a connection between readers and the text’s themes on a visceral level.
4. Captivating Reader Attention: The inherent intrigue of paradoxes captures readers’ interest and compels them to delve further into the narrative, sustaining their engagement.
5. Highlighting Theme Significance: Paradoxes serve as vehicles for accentuating key themes or ideas within a story, guiding readers’ focus to the heart of the narrative’s message.
6. Encouraging Reflective Analysis: Readers are prompted to reflect on the broader implications of paradoxes, promoting contemplation of real-world complexities beyond the fictional realm.
7. Deepening Character Development: Paradoxes can be employed to create internal conflicts within characters, contributing to their multidimensional portrayal and personal growth.
8. Fostering Memorable Impressions: The memorable nature of paradoxical statements leaves a lasting impact, contributing to the text’s enduring resonance in readers’ minds.
9. Expanding Literary Exploration: Incorporating paradoxes expands the possibilities for exploring innovative narrative structures and unconventional storytelling approaches.
10. Cultivating Intellectual Engagement: Readers appreciate the intellectual challenge posed by paradoxes, making the reading experience intellectually rewarding and thought-provoking.

Incorporating paradoxes into literary works can thus yield multifaceted advantages, enriching the reading experience and fostering a deeper connection between authors and their audience.

Paradox in Literary Theory

Paradox is often analyzed in literary theory for its function and effect on the reader. Some common approaches to analyzing paradox in literature include:

Literary Theory	Interpretation of Paradoxes	Critique Example
New Criticism Literary Theory	Focuses on close reading and formal analysis of the text to uncover multiple layers of meaning. Paradoxes are seen as intentional and contribute to the complexity of the work.	In analyzing a poem, New Critics may examine paradoxes as linguistic devices that enhance the aesthetic experience.
Structuralism Literary Theory	Emphasizes the underlying structures and systems of meaning in literature. Paradoxes are viewed as disruptions or contradictions within the larger system.	Structuralist critics might analyze how paradoxes challenge and subvert the established binary oppositions or linguistic structures in a literary work.
Reader-Response Literary Theory	Shifts the focus to the reader’s subjective response and interpretation of the text. Paradoxes may evoke different emotional or intellectual responses from readers.	A reader-response critic may explore how paradoxes in a novel elicit a range of interpretations and engage readers in actively deciphering the underlying meanings.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Examines the relationship between literature and power dynamics in a postcolonial context. Paradoxes may highlight contradictions and tensions in cultural identities.	A postcolonial critic might analyze paradoxes in a novel to explore the complexities of identity negotiation and the power dynamics between colonizers and the colonized.

Critique Example: In the context of New Criticism, a critique example would involve examining how paradoxes contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of a poem. For instance, in T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” the paradoxical statement “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons” creates a sense of mundanity and futility, emphasizing the speaker’s existential angst. A New Critic may argue that the intentional use of paradox adds depth and richness to the poem’s themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning in a modern world.

It is important to note that these examples are simplified and that literary theory is a complex and diverse field with various interpretations and perspectives. The table provides a general overview of how different literary theories approach the interpretation of paradoxes and offers a glimpse into the potential critique examples that can be explored within each framework.

Suggested Readings

1. Abrams, M.H., and Geoffrey Galt Harpham. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 12th ed., Cengage Learning, 2019.
2. Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2011.
3. Eco, Umberto. Six Walks in the Fictional Woods. Harvard University Press, 1994.
4. Frow, John. Genre. Routledge, 2015.
5. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 2000.
6. Harmon, William, and Hugh Holman. A Handbook to Literature. 12th ed., Pearson, 2015.
7. Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. Vintage, 1992.
8. McHale, Brian. Postmodernist Fiction. Routledge, 1987.
9. Preminger, Alex, et al., editors. The New Princeton Encyclopaedia of Poetry and Poetics. 3rd ed., Princeton University Press, 1993.
10. Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2014.