n.
1. A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true: the paradox that standing is more tiring than walking.
2. One exhibiting inexplicable or contradictory aspects: "The silence of midnight, to speak truly, though apparently a paradox, rung in my ears" Mary Shelley.
3. An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises.
4. A statement contrary to received opinion.
am·big·u·ous
adj.
1. Open to more than one interpretation: an ambiguous reply.
2. Doubtful or uncertain: "The theatrical status of her frequently derided but constantly revived plays remained ambiguous" Frank Rich.
Themes of Paradoxes and Ambiguity in Little Black Book of Stories:
(Just a few I came up with)
"The Stone Woman"
A paradox can be that people can't become stone. It's an impossible occurrence. The main character slowly metamorphosis's into stone. Also, I think it's funny how women can be referred to as "cold" or "stone" because they're prudes or what have you. This woman actually did turn to stone. She actually seemed to be liberated by this experience.
"The Thing in the Forest"
Penny and Primrose both saw a huge worm, monster sort of thing in the woods. Woods are always associated with bad or scary happenings. It's not very real that a huge worm is in the forest that eats humans. Plus, Penny and Primrose don't really seem to be sure if their experience was real.
"Body Art"
I thought a paradox was that Daisy had been to the hospital or institution that Damian worked for abortions in the past but she was decorating the place for the holidays. She had a rather depressing, traumatic experience but is making the place look "happy" for the patients or clients. Also, she ended a life to begin with there and she meets Damian and creates another one. Things just seem kind of opposite of what they should be.
The title of Little Black Book of Stories
A little black book suggests personal, scary, or secret subject matter. The stories and material Byatt chose to put in this book. It's an interesting connection. Paradox and ambiguity seem to kind of go hand in hand. The title brings up connections to both terms.
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