FIGURES OF SPEECH - 8 - PARADOX

A figure of speech is an ornamental use of words.

A figure of speech may be defined as a change from the plain and ordinary mode of expression for the sake of emphasis or to beautify the language.

Figure of speech is a technique or a tool of expression, by means of which one deviates from the ordinary expression in order to produce a better or a more emphatic linguistic effect.

Figures of speech are commonly used in poetry to enhance the beauty, imagery, poetic effect and rhyme scheme of the poem.

PARADOX

A paradox is a statement which contains an apparently absurd contradiction, but on a closer scrutiny it is found to be true.

When ideas that are incompatible are reconciled, the figure of speech is paradox.

Examples:

1. The Queen is dead; long live the Queen.

The contradiction is in wishing the Queen long life when she is dead. But on a closer examination of statement, we find that it contains an important truth. What is really wished is that the fame and glory of the Queen continue.

2. My lack of vision is my greatest strength.

Lack of vision would be considered a weakness by everyone. But to a blind person, perhaps, it is a strength.