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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 5
Explanation and Analysis—Ignorance:
In the following example of paradox from Chapter 5, Genly first encounters the foreign religious doctrines of the foretellers, which are quite dissimilar from the religions he has thus far been exposed to:
"[P]erhaps you'll want to speak to the Weaver? He's down in the glade now, unless he went out with the woodsledge. Or would you rather first talk to one of the Celibates?"
"I'm not sure. I'm exceedingly ignorant—"
The young man laughed and bowed.
"I am honored!" he said. "I've lived here three years, but haven't yet acquired enough ignorance to be worth mentioning."
Goss reacts with surprise to Genly's negative statement—"I'm exceedingly ignorant"—framing ignorance instead as a positive quality. This reflects the philosophy of the foretellers, who believe that a state of unknowing and freedom from oppressive thought is the highest state of spiritual being. The foretellers seek to transcend knowledge, serving as vessels through which the world around them can flow.
Genly shows his misunderstanding of Karhidish custom in this passage, even in the smallest turn of phrase. "Ignorance" is ordinarily devalued in Genly's society. He presumes that a distaste for ignorance will translate into Karhidish; when it doesn't, instead taking on an opposing set of values, Genly is surprised.
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