An oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two words that are opposite in meaning, such as “hot ice” or “living death.” Oxymorons are often used to create a paradoxical image or to express conflicting emotions.
In literature, oxymorons can be used to create mood, tension, or irony. They can also be used to make a character seem more complex, or to add humor to a scene.
Here are some examples of oxymorons in literature:
“I must be cruel, only to be kind.” – Hamlet, William Shakespeare
“And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew/That one small head could carry all he knew.” – The Odyssey, Homer
“Love is a familiar. Love is a devil. There is no good in him, but he is not evil. He is a toad-eater, a hater of all good, a foul-mouthed knave, a base, rascally, cheating, villainous, cowardly, dastardly, pitiful, mean, malicious whoreson.” – The Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare
“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” – Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
Other related questions:
What is an oxymoron sentence?
“I’m not going to school today,” said Sarah, who was an excellent student.
What is an example of oxymoron in literature?
One example of an oxymoron in literature is “jumbo shrimp.”
What is oxymoron give 5 examples?
1. A contradiction in terms, such as “jumbo shrimp” or “deafening silence”
2. A figure of speech that uses two words together for special effect, such as “bittersweet” or “cruel kindness”
3. A situation that is full of irony, such as a child getting in trouble for telling the truth
4. A situation that seems impossible or unlikely, such as a “snow day” in the middle of summer
5. A person or thing that is both good and bad, such as a “tough love” parent or a “blessing in disguise”
What are 3 examples of oxymoron?
1. Jumbo shrimp
2. Working vacation
3. Freezer burn
Bibliography
- Oxymoron Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
- What Is an Oxymoron? 12 Oxymoron Examples – MasterClass
- 50 Examples of Oxymorons – ProWritingAid
- Oxymoron: Definition and Examples | LiteraryTerms.net
- What is Oxymoron in Literature? Definition, Examples of …
- What is an Oxymoron: Definition & Examples Writers Should Use