Is Oxymoron a Literary Device

Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a “condensed” paradox. This means that oxymoron is a figure of speech that includes just a couple of contradictory words that are paired together rather than a full statement of ideas. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true.

Are oxymorons rhetorical device?

An oxymoron can be used as a rhetorical device to illustrate a rhetorical point or to reveal a paradox. A more general meaning of “contradiction in terms” (not necessarily for rhetoric effect) is recorded by the OED for 1902. … The word oxymoron is autological, i.e. it is itself an example of an oxymoron.

Are Contradictions a literary device?

In literature, contradictions take on different forms, and they often show up as examples of the literary devices below: Paradox. Oxymoron. Antithesis.