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Oxymorons
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Guilt and Innocence:
In the final scene of Chapter 8, Valerian reckons with Margaret's confession of child abuse. Alone in the greenhouse on his property—the symbolic representation of the pure Garden of Eden—Valerian feels guilty about his unawareness of Margaret's abusive relationship with Michael. Morrison depicts Valerian's experience through a paradox, helping readers understand how guilt and innocence are closely linked in Tar Baby:
He was guilty, therefore, of innocence. Was there anything so loathsome as a willfully innocent man? Hardly. An innocent man is a sin before God.
In the passage above, Morrison creates a paradox through her depictions of Valerian’s inner monologue. Valerian feels he is “guilty of innocence"—an almost nonsensical paradox at first glance. Being exact opposites, how could Valerian's innocence towards Margaret's behavior ultimately prove his guilt? How could "an innocent man" be a "sin before God"?
Morrison's use of paradox reveals that Valerian views innocence and ignorance as close relatives. While he was unaware of Margaret's abuse of Michael—and thus not in the position to interfere—he also did not make an effort to thoroughly investigate the subtle hints of occurring abuse, such as Michael's eventual estrangement from the family unit. Essentially, Valerian's inaction was an action itself, which allowed Margaret's abuse to continue unprovoked. This strange truth is paradoxical in nature and throws Valerian's morality into question.
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