What is oxymoron and give examples?

An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeare’s line from Romeo and Juliet, “Why, then, O brawling love! O loving hate!”). A paradox is a statement or argument that seems to be contradictory or to go against common sense, but that is yet perhaps still true—for example, “less is more.”

What is the literary term for oxymoron?

Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original.

What are the distinguishing features of oxymoron?

The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. Instead, meaning should be derived from the context in which an oxymoron is used.

What literary devices are used in oxymoron?

Literary Devices in Poems – Literary/Poetic device is a technique a writer uses to produce a special effect on their writing….See Video Explanation of Literary Devices in Poems.

Alliteration Metaphor
Anaphora Oxymoron
Antithesis personification
Assonance Refrain
Asyndeton Rhyme

What is literary paradox?

In literature, a paradox is a literary device that contradicts itself but contains a plausible kernel of truth. An oxymoron is the conjunction of two words with meanings that contradict each other. While a paradox is the opposition of ideas or themes, an oxymoron is a contradiction merely between words.

What literary device is epithet?

The repeated use of a word or phrase for the same person, place, or object. Also called the Homeric epithet, fixed epithets are commonly used in epic poetry. In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus is repeatedly referred to as “many-minded,” Penelope as “prudent,” and Telemachus as “sound-minded.”

What’s an example of a paradox?

An example of a paradox is “Waking is dreaming”. A paradox is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself. This type of statement can be described as paradoxical. A compressed paradox comprised of just a few words is called an oxymoron.

How do you identify a paradox in literature?

Paradox is dependent upon two elements: 1) a statement or situation which initially appears contradictory; 2) the statement or situation that appears contradictory must, after consideration, be a logical or well-founded premise.

What is an example of an epithet?

An epithet is a nickname or descriptive term that’s added to someone’s name that becomes part of common usage. For example, in the name Alexander the Great, “the Great” is an epithet.

What is the definition and example of an oxymoron?

Definition and Examples of Literary Terms. Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or “living death”.

Does oxymoron refer to a poetic device used in poetry?

Oxymoron as a poetic device can express the range of emotion that is felt in passionate love or hate. Using contradictory terms to express deep emotion illustrates how confusing our feelings can be. One of the most well known uses of oxymoron is from a passage in Act 1, scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, where Romeo expresses his conflicting feelings on unrequited love in several oxymoronic phrases.

What is an oxymoron statement?

An oxymoron is a figurative language that joins together two opposing elements to form a sensible idea. It must never be taken literally, otherwise, the statement may be misinterpreted.

What is an oxymoron word?

An oxymoron is a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. Oxymorons are often used in literature.