Literary Devices- Oxymoron-Figures of Speech-Poetic Devices

 

6. Oxymoron

In oxymoron, two apparently contradictory statements are yoked together to achieve the dramatic effect and some flavour in speech.

 Difference between Paradox and Oxymoron

In Oxymoron two words giving two opposite meanings/ideas are placed together to achieve flavour in speech or to produce a dramatic effect on it.

 

In Paradox mainly two statements contradictory to each other are placed together. Deep meaning is hidden somewhere in the paradox used by the poet or the writer.

 

There may be certain purposes in using paradoxical statements.

 

These may be used in day-to-day life to criticise an idea, to provoke new thought, to add a witty idea for creating fun and humour.

 Example:

Freedom is slavery. (Paradox)

Cruel kindness (Oxymoron)

More examples of Oxymoron:

 Great Depression                        Clearly confused

Pretty ugly                                    Living dead

Walking dead                               Virtual reality

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