Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a
figure of speech in which inherently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
It originated in the mid-17th century: from Greek oxumōron, neuter (used as a noun) of oxumōros ‘pointedly
foolish,’ from Oxus ‘sharp’ + mōros ‘foolish. Although, it was seldom used in
the past, it has become extremely helpful when proving a point, describing a
situation or event, and for character development. Inherently crafted to reveal
a paradox, Oxymoron not only sparks the imagination, it sets it on fire.
Proving A Point
There are many times when what is commonly said isn’t understandable for everyone. When this occurs, more expressive ways to communicate the true or original meaning is needed. As with all languages, an evolution is involved and cross definitions help alleviate confusion. Something making something simple isn’t simple at all. Just the thought alone that something is complicatedly simple (oxymoron) to some and simply complicated (oxymoron) to others are paradoxically all of their own. You may wonder how this will help enhance your storytelling. Think about these simply complicated examples. She woke from a beautifully tragic (oxymoron) dream. Maybe reading Romeo and Juliet before bed might not have been a good idea. She was clearly intellectually stupid to the fact that he didn’t leave with a friend, but his wife said the man who had brought her flowers, chocolate and holding up her true love’s wedding picture. The first thing the runner asked for after he had won the marathon was some icy-hot (oxymoron and trademarked). As you can see with the use of an oxymoron, there is a crap load of fun to be had. At any given situation, using an oxymoron can open a world of possibilities.
There are many times when what is commonly said isn’t understandable for everyone. When this occurs, more expressive ways to communicate the true or original meaning is needed. As with all languages, an evolution is involved and cross definitions help alleviate confusion. Something making something simple isn’t simple at all. Just the thought alone that something is complicatedly simple (oxymoron) to some and simply complicated (oxymoron) to others are paradoxically all of their own. You may wonder how this will help enhance your storytelling. Think about these simply complicated examples. She woke from a beautifully tragic (oxymoron) dream. Maybe reading Romeo and Juliet before bed might not have been a good idea. She was clearly intellectually stupid to the fact that he didn’t leave with a friend, but his wife said the man who had brought her flowers, chocolate and holding up her true love’s wedding picture. The first thing the runner asked for after he had won the marathon was some icy-hot (oxymoron and trademarked). As you can see with the use of an oxymoron, there is a crap load of fun to be had. At any given situation, using an oxymoron can open a world of possibilities.
Describing A Situation
Throwing in contradictions can add that extra bit of excitement needed to heighten or lull your reader into a relaxed moment right before all hell breaks loose. Take for instance; you have a commando team on some far away planet and they can smell the bitter sweet smell of the creatures they had just had an intense battle. An intense calm had enveloped their position and some felt it would be best to get some rest before the battle begins again. They have been fighting the moment their transport had dropped them off and after two days of nonstop fighting, they deserved a moment to calm restless anxiety. Looking at holograms of wives, children, and loved ones back home was being displayed covertly so the glow wouldn’t make them an easy hard target for the enemy to hit. Silenced screams were being heard from all around where the fighting sill continued. But, their position had received the worst of what the enemy calls their beautiful horror and had endured. Using terms that are paradox like sweet stink, fiercely gentle, reliable untrustworthy and understandably misunderstood can not only add to a situation, but are helpful to character development.
Throwing in contradictions can add that extra bit of excitement needed to heighten or lull your reader into a relaxed moment right before all hell breaks loose. Take for instance; you have a commando team on some far away planet and they can smell the bitter sweet smell of the creatures they had just had an intense battle. An intense calm had enveloped their position and some felt it would be best to get some rest before the battle begins again. They have been fighting the moment their transport had dropped them off and after two days of nonstop fighting, they deserved a moment to calm restless anxiety. Looking at holograms of wives, children, and loved ones back home was being displayed covertly so the glow wouldn’t make them an easy hard target for the enemy to hit. Silenced screams were being heard from all around where the fighting sill continued. But, their position had received the worst of what the enemy calls their beautiful horror and had endured. Using terms that are paradox like sweet stink, fiercely gentle, reliable untrustworthy and understandably misunderstood can not only add to a situation, but are helpful to character development.
Character Development
The best thing about using an oxymoron to give your character depth and characteristics that you may already be doing it without even knowing that you are using them. How many times have you used the words deceptively, uncommonly, or blatantly to describe a character? I know that is a lot of Lee’s, but there are even more. The important thing is that the use of contradictory words adds a sense that there is more to any given character than their height, weight, hair color, eyes color, muscle tone, speech, or expressions. Most of the easily recognizable characters have a duality as do everyone on the planet. We are not just happy, sad, hungry, full, or active and complacent. We are all those things and so much more. In order for your characters to convey those sociably unsociable characteristics our imagination gravitates towards. Think about it. How many times have you heard, read, or described someone as an intellectual slacker, a functional idiot, or the used the term slow speed. There are so many contradictory terms that are being used that they are barely recognizable as an oxymoron.
The best thing about using an oxymoron to give your character depth and characteristics that you may already be doing it without even knowing that you are using them. How many times have you used the words deceptively, uncommonly, or blatantly to describe a character? I know that is a lot of Lee’s, but there are even more. The important thing is that the use of contradictory words adds a sense that there is more to any given character than their height, weight, hair color, eyes color, muscle tone, speech, or expressions. Most of the easily recognizable characters have a duality as do everyone on the planet. We are not just happy, sad, hungry, full, or active and complacent. We are all those things and so much more. In order for your characters to convey those sociably unsociable characteristics our imagination gravitates towards. Think about it. How many times have you heard, read, or described someone as an intellectual slacker, a functional idiot, or the used the term slow speed. There are so many contradictory terms that are being used that they are barely recognizable as an oxymoron.
When you feel
the need to add a subtle nudge of your world building, dialog building, or character
building, put an oxymoron in the game and let it run wild. You’ll be surprise
how understandably deceptive it can be. SD Tracy Harper
Illustration; saolphotography.blogspot.com
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