Name:
Date:
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Paradox and MacBeth
Paradox-Contradiction in terms that has a ring of truth to it.
Paradox Example:
You have to be cruel to be kind sometimes.
How this seemingly contradictory statement is true:
Lisa is wearing a hideous outfit and you tell her that is not attractive at all; some
may feel you are being cruel and hurting Lisa’s feelings. In reality, you are being
kind because you have Lisa’s best interest at heart and do not want others
making fun of her. So, you were mean in order to save her.
Paradox Example:
The winner is sometimes the biggest loser.
How this seemingly contradictory statement is true:
Bob is intent on winning a race. In order to win, he trains, practices and spends
all of his time on the track. His family feels more and more neglected as the
race approaches. Bob’s hard work pays off and he wins the race, but in the
process he loses the more important part of his life, his family. So, Bob won the
race but lost so much more.
Paradox Example:
The prettiest person is the ugliest person.
How this seemingly contradictory statement is true:
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CREATE YOUR OWN
Paradox Example:
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How this seemingly contradictory statement is true:
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Paradoxes in MacBeth:
EXAMPLE:
Paradox: “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” (1.3.39)
How this seemingly contradictory statement is true:
The day is foul because of the weather, but it is also fair because the battles
have gone Macbeth’s way.
2. Paradox: Lesser than Macbeth and greater. / Not so happy, yet much
happier. (1.3.68-69)
How this seemingly contradictory statement could be true:
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3. Paradox: Fair is foul, and foul is fair (1.1.11-12)
How this seemingly contradictory statement could be true:
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4. Paradox—find another example of paradox in Act I (hint: try scenes 3 and 6):
How this seemingly contradictory statement could be true:
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