Paradoxes and Oxymorons

Juxtaposition is...

• The figurative comparison between two unlike things

• Placing two things side by side, usually to show contrast

• A position on the football field

• What readers do when they compare and contrast

What is the definition of an "oxymoron"?

• The juxtaposition of a set of seemingly contradictory concepts that reveal a hidden and/or unexpected truth.

• A figure of speech in which two seemingly opposing and contradictory elements are juxtaposed.

What is the definition of "paradox"?

• A figure of speech in which two seemingly opposing and contradictory elements are juxtaposed.

• The juxtaposition of a set of seemingly contradictory concepts that reveal a hidden and/or unexpected truth.

Consider the following idiom: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Why is this also a juxtaposition example?

• In this case, dogs are being personified as able to learn tricks

• The reverse psychology of this proverb implies that you can indeed learn new things when you’ve gotten older.

• The contrast between old and new demonstrates the difficulty of learning new things at an old age or after getting stuck in one’s ways.

Why would a writer use juxtaposition?

• To surprise the reader

• To create startling contrasts between two objects or ideas

• To control the pacing of a text

• To add a sense of musicality

What rhetorical aspect does juxtaposition rely on for meaning?

• Persuasion

• Comparison and Contrast

• Analysis

• Explication

Which of the following is an example of juxtaposition?

• A loud woman dating a loud man

• A quiet man dating a quieter woman

• A quiet man dating a loud woman

Which example below is an example of an oxymoron?

• It was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity.
• Bittersweet
• A little pain never hurt anyone.

Which is this an example of: "There is darkness and light within all of us."?

• metaphor

• allusion

• juxtaposition

• alliteration

Which example below is an example of a juxtaposition?

• Beggars can’t be choosers.
• Happy sad
• On the surface of things whales are always blowing it.