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Definition of Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to... read full definition
Act 3, Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—Beneficial Foes:
In Act 3, Palamon has been freed from prison after relatives in Thebes pay off his ransom, and Arcite has been released by the Jailer’s Daughter. They reunite in the forests surrounding Athens to continue their fight for Emilia. In acknowledgement of the help that he has received from Arcite, Palamon uses an oxymoronic phrase, “beneficial foe”:
PALAMON
I have put you
To too much pains, sir.ARCITE
That too much, fair cousin,
Is but a debt to honor and my duty.PALAMON
Would you were so in all, sir; I could wish you
As kind a kinsman as you force me find
A beneficial foe, that my embraces
Might thank you, not my blows.
Even though the two cousins have sworn to fight each other to the death, they scrupulously maintain the conventions of chivalry. Because Palamon was weakened by his difficult escape and lack of food, Arcite has given him sustenance and lodgings so that their duel will be fair. So too has Arcite equipped Palamon with armor and weapons. As a result, Palamon describes Arcite oxymoronically as a “beneficial foe” who has helped him even while planning to kill him. This phrase emphasizes the complexity of their relationship, as cousins and formerly close friends who are, at this point in the play, sworn enemies.
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