Paradox in Literature A paradox is a seemingly

Paradox in Literature A paradox is a seemingly absurd or selfcontradictory statement, that once explained is true. Why Use in Literature? • Authors use paradox to force the reader to dig deeper and search for a meaning which is not visible in plain sight. • By making the readers think and work to get to the real meaning, the author cleverly disposes of boredom.

Practice Picking the Paradox Explain how each of the following sentences seem impossible. By pointing out how it contradicts itself, you point out the paradox. 1. I’m nobody. 2. The girl felt lonely in the crowded room. 3. You need to spend money to make money.

Glenn Miller – The Little Man Who Wasn’t There Last night I saw upon the stair A little man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today Oh, how I wish he’d go away. . . Go away, go away, don’t you come back any more! Go away, go away, and please don’t slam the door. . . (slam!) When I came home last night at three The man was waiting there for me But when I looked around the hall I couldn’t see him there at all! Last night I saw upon the stair A little man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today Oh, how I wish he’d go away!

Your Turn 1. Find a group of 3 to work with and open your books to 442. 2. Pick out at least 1 stanza from each section (37, 44, 68) that you believe contains a paradox. 3. Explain why your chosen section is a paradox. Determine if it also contains a maxim. 4. Create one paradox for each member of your group.