The oxymoron is the stylistic term connecting contradictory concepts. It is used, first of all, in works of art. But quite often it is possible to face an oxymoron also in ordinary life.
The scientists learning language of works of art distinguish from other means of expressiveness so-called stylistic figures, and from them – an oxymoron. In translation from Ancient Greek the word "oxymoron" means "witty and silly". "Wit" and "nonsense" – concepts incompatible. However, put next to each other, create effect of surprise, paradoxicality, art brightness. Respectively, each letter of such phrase will be remembered. Connection not connected, the combination of contrasts is and there is an oxymoron.
Oxymoron is also the term which came from an Ancient Greek word "" οξύμωρον "" in which two values connected: "sharp" and "silly".
Oxymoron in literature
On the basis of an oxymoron, headings of many famous literary works are written. For example, immortal poem by N.V. Gogol "Dead souls". Also "The live corpse" of L.N. Tolstoy, "Hot snow" of Yu.V. Bondarev, "The optimistic tragedy" of V.V. Vishnevsky are remembered. The oxymoron gives the chance not only to brightly give heading, but also to enclose in it more sense than if it was a simple phrase. Not for nothing at school a lot of time is given to understand that stands behind the words "dead souls". What souls were mentioned by the great writer and why they are dead. The oxymoron is quite often used by poets in the poems. It allows to make an image especially saturated, memorable. Here the known line of A.S. Pushkin about fall: "I love magnificent withering of the nature". Usually we connect withering with some faded colors, with what already becomes obsolete. Associations not the most pleasant. And suddenly – "magnificent withering". Right there those pictures of the autumn wood which description follows the mentioned line of the poet are remembered.
Oxymoron in the poem by M. Tsvetaeva to "Grandmother": "Dark, direct and exacting look. A look, to defense ready. Young women so do not look. The young grandmother who you are?"
Oxymoron in life
However, it is possible to meet an oxymoron not only on pages of works of art, but also in everyday life. About the person able to own the emotions in difficult situations whose type causes a feeling of confidence, say: "It has nerves of steel". In construction works liquid nails are used. All this examples of oxymorons. Quite often word-play including an oxymoron, use in advertizing. Unfortunately, it turns out not always honestly in relation to consumers. Besides the deliberateness causes rejection, do not save advertizing even bright colors. Thanks to an oxymoron, the phrase becomes memorable. Therefore it is not forbidden to think up something, not hackneyed. According to psychologists, work with an oxymoron helps to find a way out of an ambiguous life situation. The truth it is necessary to remember that you should not slide from witty nonsense in silly sharpness.