American Literature / Unit 1 AML 0030 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Paradox, Oxymoron, Hyperbole, Understatement
Captions available
The idea
A paradox seems self-contradictory and makes sense anyway, the glossary quoting "I must be cruel only to be kind". An oxymoron packs the contradiction into two words. Hyperbole exaggerates for effect. Understatement says less than the case, and in American poetry it is often the sharper instrument.
In practice
Contradiction, compressed contradiction, too much, too little.
Where people slip
Understatement is missed, and often the answer.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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