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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
Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Saintly Sinners:
When Valdes and Cornelius learn that Faustus will join them in their pursuit of magical study, they are effusive in their enthusiasm at the news. Valdes in particular expresses his joy by remarking upon the potential glory he envisions the three of them might achieve together, paradoxically asserting that their sinful actions will make them saintly:
Faustus, these books, thy wit, and our experience
Shall make all nations to canonize us.
As Indian Moors obey their Spanish lords,
So shall the subjects of every element
Be always serviceable to us three.
Canonization is the process by which a dead member of the Roman Catholic Church is officially declared to be a saint (and therefore worthy of public veneration). There are many steps someone must fulfill in order to qualify for sainthood, the most important of these being the fact that the person in question is a servant of God, as well as the completion of verified miracles. Thus, Valdes’s claim that the feats of magic they will perform will lead to their canonization is inherently a paradox, as the practice of magic requires their loyalty to Lucifer. Furthermore, any “miracles” they perform with their magic could never truly be called such, as miracles are solely the result of God’s will, not the devil’s. Valdes’s paradoxical understanding of sainthood is made even more obvious when he equates saintliness to mastery and domination, expressing a desire to bend the world to his own individual will. The self-centered and oppressive goals he spouts are the exact opposite of saintly morals.
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