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Motifs
Definition of Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to... read full definition
Part 1, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Eldest Brideshead:
As Anthony Blanche talks Charles's ear off in Part 1, Chapter 2, he gradually assesses each member of the Flyte family, laying bare their respective characters. He uses several oxymorons to describe Brideshead, the eldest child and son of the Flyte clan:
“There’s Brideshead who’s something archaic, out of a cave that’s been sealed for centuries. He has the face as though an Aztec sculptor had attempted a portrait of Sebastian; he’s a learned bigot, a ceremonious barbarian, a snow-bound lama…."
In the oxymoronic words of Anthony, Brideshead is a "learned bigot, a ceremonious barbarian, a snow-bound lama." Anthony uses such statements to point out what he perceives as disconcerting incongruities in Brideshead's character. The eldest Flyte son adheres to tradition and propriety, something Anthony views as "bigoted" or "barbaric." Anthony appears to think of Brideshead as a man out of place—ill-suited to the finer points of conduct in intellectual circles, but set on establishing himself in those circles regardless. Brideshead lacks the refinement of his younger siblings, both in appearance and manner.
It should be noted that, in the above passage, Anthony degrades Aztec sculpture as a means of diminishing Brideshead and elevating Sebastian. Anthony's comparison implies that the art forms of non-Western civilizations are "crude" imitations of Western refinement—emblematized by Sebastian, whose "fine features" juxtapose his brother's.
Related Themes:
