Paradox
A paradox is a statement that seems to contradict itself but is nevertheless true.
Notes on Paradox
Quotes including the Figure of Speech Paradox
I learn in this letter that Don Pedro of Aragon comes this night to Messina
Read the QuoteLeonato, with a letter
I learn in this letter that Don
Pedro of Aragon comes this night to Messina.
Messenger
He is very near by this. He was not three
leagues off when I left him.
He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age,
doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion.
… continue reading this quote
Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death
Read the QuoteThough yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death
MetaphorThe memory be green, and that it us befitted
To bear our hearts in grief, and Personificationour whole kingdom
To be contracted in one brow of woe,
PersonificationYet so far hath discretion fought with nature
That we with wisest sorrow think on him
Together with remembrance of ourselves.
… continue reading this quote
O that this too too solid flesh would melt
Read the QuoteO, that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!Epizeuxis & Metaphor
Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d
His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter!Metonymy O God, God,
How Synonymiaweary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
… continue reading this quote
She-wolf of France, but worse than wolves of France
Read the QuoteShe-wolf of France, but worse than wolves of France,
Whose Synecdochetongue more poisons than the adder’s tooth:Metaphor, Diacope & Parenthesis
How ill-beseeming is it in thy sex
To triumph like an Amazonian trull
Upon their woes whom Fortune captivates.Simile
O, tiger’s heart wrapped in a woman’s hide,
… continue reading this quote
My only love sprung from my only hate!
Read the QuoteMy only love sprung from my only hate!Paradox
Too early seen unknown, and known too late!Epanalepsis
Prodigious birth of love it is to me
That I must love a loathèd enemy.Irony
… continue reading this quote
My bounty is as boundless as the sea
Read the QuoteMy bounty is as boundless as the sea,Simili
My love as deep;Ellipsis the more I give to thee,
The more I have,Anaphora, Paradox for both are infinite.
… continue reading this quote
Words, words, words
Read the QuoteHamlet
Words, words, words.Epizeuxis
Polonius
What is the matter, my lord?
Hamlet
Between who?
Polonius
I mean the matter Antanaclesisthat you read, my lord.
Though this be madness, yet there is
method in ‘t.
Hamlet
Slanders,
… continue reading this quote
The gray-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night
Read the QuoteThe gray-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night,Personification
Check’ring the eastern clouds with streaks of light,
And fleckled darkness like a drunkard reelsSimile
From forth day’s path and Titan’s fiery wheels.Allusion
The earth that’s nature’s mother is her tomb;
What is her burying grave,
… continue reading this quote
Now, Ursula, when Beatrice doth come
Read the SonnetHero
Now, Ursula, when Beatrice doth come,
As we do trace this alley up and down,
Our talk must only be of Benedick.
When I do name him, let it be thy part
To praise him more than ever man did merit.
What fire is in mine ears?
My talk to thee must be how Benedick
Is sick in love with Beatrice.
… continue reading this quote
Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds
Read the QuoteGallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds,
Towards Phoebus’ lodging. Such a wagoner
As Phaëton would whip you to the west
And bring in cloudy night immediately.Alliteration & Allusion
Spread thy close curtain, love-performing night,
That runaways’ eyes may wink, and Romeo
Leap to these arms, untalked of and unseen.Personification
So tedious is this day
As is the night before some festival
To an impatient child that hath new robes
And may not wear them.
… continue reading this quote