In the story "Like the Sun," the paradox "You have to be cruel to be kind" is illustrated through the character of the narrator, who is a teacher trying to help a young boy named Rangaje learn how to write. The narrator is initially kind and patient with Rangaje, but as the boy struggles to learn and becomes more and more frustrated, the narrator becomes increasingly stern and even cruel in his methods. He yells at Rangaje and makes him stay after school to practice writing, all in an effort to help him improve. The paradox is illustrated in the idea that the narrator's harshness is ultimately for the boy's own good and is intended to be kind, even though it may not seem that way at first.
In the story "The Open Window," the paradox "One would think he had seen a ghost" is illustrated through the character of Mr. Nuttel, who is visiting the home of a relative to convalesce after a nervous breakdown. While he is there, he is told a story about a tragic hunting accident that occurred on the property, and the window in the room he is sitting in is left open to allow the ghosts of the deceased hunters to enter. As Mr. Nuttel sits there, he becomes increasingly nervous and jumpy, imagining that he sees the ghosts of the hunters entering through the open window. The paradox is illustrated in the idea that Mr. Nuttel's fear and anxiety are ultimately caused by his own imagination and belief in the supernatural, even though he initially believes he has seen a ghost.