key term - Paradoja

Definition

A paradoja is a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory ideas or concepts, creating a thought-provoking tension that invites deeper reflection. This figure often reveals a hidden truth or highlights the complexity of human experience by challenging conventional wisdom, prompting readers to reconcile seemingly opposing viewpoints.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Borges y yo', Borges presents the paradox of identity, questioning the relationship between the author and his creation, suggesting that multiple selves coexist within one person.
2. Pablo Neruda's 'Walking around' captures the paradox of modern life; despite the noise and chaos, there is a yearning for simplicity and meaning amidst urban alienation.
3. 'A Roosevelt' contains paradoxical elements that contrast admiration for American progress with criticism of imperialistic tendencies, reflecting complex feelings about cultural dominance.
4. José Martí's 'Nuestra América' presents a paradox in the call for unity among Latin American nations while simultaneously acknowledging their diverse identities and histories.
5. In 'Hombres necios que acusáis', Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz employs paradox to challenge societal norms, pointing out the contradictions in how men judge women for behaviors they promote.

Review Questions

• How does Borges use paradox to explore identity in 'Borges y yo'?
  • Borges uses paradox to delve into the complexities of identity by presenting the relationship between the author and his alter ego. He suggests that there are multiple identities coexisting within him, leading to a conflict between his public persona and private self. This creates an intriguing tension that forces readers to reflect on how personal identity can be fragmented and multifaceted.
• Discuss the paradoxical nature of modern life as depicted in Neruda's 'Walking around'.
  • Neruda captures the paradox of modern existence by contrasting the vibrancy and chaos of urban life with an underlying desire for simplicity and authenticity. The poem reflects feelings of alienation amidst societal noise, as well as a longing for connection and deeper meaning. This duality illustrates the struggle individuals face in reconciling their inner yearnings with the demands of contemporary society.
• Analyze how Rubén Darío employs paradox in 'A Roosevelt' to convey his views on American influence in Latin America.
  • Rubén Darío skillfully uses paradox in 'A Roosevelt' to express admiration for certain aspects of American progress while simultaneously critiquing its imperialistic behaviors. By intertwining praise and condemnation, he captures the complex emotions many Latin Americans felt towards U.S. intervention. This duality underscores the challenges of navigating cultural identity and sovereignty in an age of domination, revealing deeper truths about power dynamics in the region.

Related terms

Ironía:

A rhetorical device that conveys a meaning opposite to its literal meaning, often used to emphasize contradictions and complexities in a narrative.

Antítesis:

A figure of speech that contrasts opposing ideas within a balanced structure, enhancing the theme by showing stark differences.

Oxímoron: A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms to create a unique expression, often illuminating an underlying truth.