Question

Choose at least two of the oxymoronic phrases below and explain (1) the apparent contradiction, (2) in what context each might be used, and (3) why each is not entirely a contradiction but makes sense on some level. bittersweet wise fool minor crisis living dead pretty ugly true lies random order

Answer 1

living dead

Clearly, living and dead are opposites, so it doesn't make sense to describe one being with both words. But we use this phrase to refer to imaginary monsters such as vampires and zombies because they are dead, but they retain some vestiges of life. For example, vampires can talk, and they can fly and scurry up walls. Zombies walk, make sounds, and eat. Both beings occupy a human body, although that body is not totally alive in the usual human sense. We also use the expression "living dead" metaphorically when we feel weary but can still go through the motions of life. It suggests we lack the spark that we associate with full-fledged living. The expression makes sense because it describes an imaginary state of existence that is somewhere between alive and dead and has some characteristics of both.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Oxymorons make use of two seemingly contrasting words to express something in a more emphatic manner. The apparent contradiction rests in that fact that, if analyzed individually, the words would indeed present opposing meanings. The contradiction, however, is not entirely so. It makes sense according to the context and, as stated above, its purpose is to emphasize an idea or to express the confusion or ambiguity of the moment. That's what we can notice when analyzing the oxymorons "pretty ugly" and "bittersweet", respectively.

In "pretty ugly", "pretty" is merely intensifying the adjective "ugly". In "bittersweet", the opposing words show conflicting feelings. We may use them as the following examples show:

I don't understand art at all! That picture was sold for thousands of dollars and it looked pretty ugly to me!

The day I left my parents' home was bittersweet (meaning I was happy and sad at the same time).