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Motifs
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Golz's Introduction:
In the following excerpt from Chapter 1, Golz explains his bridge attack strategy to Jordan. This explanation involves a good number of apparently paradoxical statements:
We go forward prepared to repair it after we have stormed the pass. It is a very complicated and beautiful operation. As complicated and as beautiful as always. The plan has been manufactured in Madrid. It is another of Vicente Rojo, the unsuccessful professor's, masterpieces. I make the attack and I make it, as always, not in sufficient force.
Hemingway uses paradox in this passage to illustrate the absurdity of war (and its internal contradictions), setting the tone for the rest of the novel. Note the number of contradictory sentiments expressed in the above paragraph: first, Golz insists that the fighters must repair the bridge after bombing it, a seemingly nonsensical and unnecessarily complicated strategy. Second, Golz's plan is both "complicated and beautiful" and "manufactured" (the latter implying that it is easily mass-produced). These concepts are seemingly at odds with one another. Third, and furthermore, this plan belongs to that of an "unsuccessful" professor, who somehow produces "masterpieces." Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, this "perfect" plan is not perfect after all, because Golz has never been able to execute it with the fighters he has available to him.
Related Themes:
