Language of Paradox 

Language of Poetry as the Language of Paradox.

Cleanth Brooks (1906–1994) was an influential American literary critic, teacher, and scholar, best known for his contributions to the New Criticism movement in literary theory. Born in Murray, Kentucky, Brooks earned his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1935. He played a crucial role in shaping the way literature was analyzed and interpreted during the mid-20th century.

New Critics emphasized close reading of texts and a focus on the intrinsic qualities of literature, such as form, structure, and language. Cleanth Brooks, along with his colleague Robert Penn Warren, advocated for a careful examination of poetic elements and rejected extraneous factors, such as the author's biography or historical context, in favour of a more rigorous analysis of the text itself. Throughout his career, Cleanth Brooks remained dedicated to the principles of New Criticism, leaving a lasting impact on the study and interpretation of literature.

Language of Paradox is an influential essay written by Cleanth Brooks, where he explores the use of paradox in poetry. Published in 1947 as part of his collection The Well Wrought Urn, Brooks examines how poets employ paradoxical language to convey complex and profound meanings. He argues that paradox, the juxtaposition of seemingly contradictory ideas, is a crucial element in understanding the depth and richness of poetic expression. The essay contributes to Brooks' broader emphasis on close textual analysis and the New Criticism movement's focus on the intrinsic qualities of literary works.

 Introduction :

In the essay ‘The language of Paradox’ Brooks explores the use of paradox as a literary device. Paradox involves apparent contradictions that reveal deeper truths. He begins his essay with several objections and negative views held by people, “Few of us are prepared to accept the statement that the language of poetry is the language of Paradox.” The assertion that the language of poetry is the language of paradox highlights the unique and often contradictory nature of poetic expression. Poetry is a literary form that goes beyond mere communication of information and delves into the realm of emotion, imagination, and aesthetic beauty. The language of poetry is often associated with paradox because language of paradox contributes richly in expressiveness, ambiguity and depth, symbolism and metaphors, subversion of expectations, unity of opposites and aesthetic appeal.

 Paradox in Wordsworth's Poetry: Unveiling Wonder and Complexity

Cleanth Brooks introduces the concept of paradox by emphasizing its prevalence in poetry and its capacity to evoke complex and layered meanings. He gives examples from romantic poetry to metaphysical poetry. He begins by acknowledging that paradox is not a mere rhetorical device but a fundamental element of poetry. Brooks asserts that paradox is inherent in language and essential to understanding the complexities of human experience. He encourages readers to recognize paradox as a vital tool poets use to express truths that go beyond conventional logic. Throughout the essay, Brooks provides numerous examples from various poems to illustrate how paradoxical language contributes to the richness and ambiguity of poetic expression. Overall, he establishes paradox as a central theme in his exploration of the intricacies of poetic language and meaning.

In poetry, paradox is a method used to draw unlikely comparisons and extract meaning from both straightforward and mysterious poems. Cleanth Brooks notes that William Wordsworth, known for valuing simplicity over complexity, creates some of his best poems through paradoxical situations. One example is It is a Beauteous Evening, where the poet worships the evening sky while the girl walking with him seems indifferent. The paradox lies in the girl's unconscious devotion to nature contrasted with the poet's temporary worship.

In Wordsworth's Composed upon Westminster Bridge, the surprise of finding beauty in the man-made city of London resolves the tension between the mechanical and the organic, revealing the city's connection to nature. This aligns with Wordsworth's idea of portraying ordinary things in an unusual aspect to evoke wonder and surprise.

Paradox, uniting opposites and contradictions, is prevalent in the poetry of Blake, Coleridge, and Gray, fusing irony and wonder. The nature of poetic language itself contributes to paradox, as poets must navigate the intricate nuances of human emotion through metaphors. Wordsworth's Evening sonnet, for instance, uses paradox by describing the evening as both "calm" and "breathless," creating a poetic tension that adds depth and complexity.

Paradox as Core of Poetry: Donne’s The Canonization

In this essay, Brooks says that paradox is the heart of poetry, making it distinct from straightforward and logical writing. He explains that poetry thrives on the contrast between contradictory ideas in paradox. Brooks sees this tension as a deliberate and essential aspect of poetry, not something to be resolved. Poets use paradox to bring complexity and ambiguity, encouraging readers to explore and reconcile opposing ideas, uncovering deeper meanings. Overall, Brooks believes that paradox is a key feature that distinguishes and enriches poetry, adding both aesthetic and intellectual value.

John Donne's poem The Canonization is a compelling example of how paradox operates at the heart of poetry. In The Canonization, Donne explores the theme of love and its transformative power. The poem is structured as a series of paradoxical arguments, wherein Donne presents seemingly contradictory statements that, upon closer examination, reveal a profound unity. Here are a few examples:

Call us what you will, we are made such by love.

The paradox here lies in the notion that the lovers are defined and transformed by their love. While being called different names by others, the essence of their identity is rooted in their shared affection.

Alas, alas, who's injured by my love?

This line introduces the paradox of love causing harm. Donne plays with the idea that the intensity of their love may be perceived as injurious, yet it remains an essential and enduring aspect of their connection.

And if unfit for tombs and hearse

Our legend be, it will be fit for verse;

And if no piece of chronicle we prove,

We'll build in sonnets pretty rooms;

Donne suggests that their love story may not fit conventional narratives or historical records, yet it is suitable for poetic expression. This paradox highlights the idea that the true depth of their love transcends traditional forms of commemoration.

Donne's use of paradox in The Canonization serves to capture the complexities and contradictions inherent in love. The interplay of opposing ideas not only adds richness and depth to the poem but also underscores the intricate and multifaceted nature of human emotions. In this way, paradox operates as a core element, allowing poets like Donne to convey intricate and nuanced truths through the medium of verse.

Dynamic Nature of Paradox:

In this essay, Brooks argues that paradox is not a static or fixed concept but rather a dynamic process that unfolds within the poem. Brooks contends that the reader actively engages with the paradox, participating in the resolution of tensions through interpretation.

According to Brooks, the apparent contradictions presented in paradox are not intended to be neatly reconciled; instead, they create a sense of intellectual and emotional tension. The reader becomes an active participant in navigating and interpreting these tensions, seeking to uncover the deeper truths embedded in the paradoxical language.

Here is an example of William Blake’s poem to understand the dynamic process of poem:

Tyger Tyger, burning bright,

In the forests of the night;

What immortal hand or eye,

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In these opening lines, Blake introduces a paradoxical image of the "Tyger" that is both "burning bright" and characterized by "fearful symmetry." The juxtaposition of the fiery and bright imagery with the fearful and symmetrical elements creates a dynamic tension within the poem.

The paradox here lies in the coexistence of contrasting qualities within the image of the Tiger. The Tiger's brightness suggests a fiery, powerful presence, while the fearfulness and symmetry introduce a sense of awe and terror. The dynamic nature of this paradox engages the reader in a process of interpretation. One must grapple with the simultaneous beauty and ferocity of the Tiger, prompting deeper reflection on the nature of creation, innocence, and experience — themes explored throughout the poem.

Unity in Paradox:

According to Brooks, poets use paradox to bring together seemingly conflicting ideas and create a harmonious whole. The tension inherent in paradox is not intended to fragment the poem but, rather, to establish a dynamic equilibrium. Through the careful interplay of opposing elements, poets achieve a unified expression that goes beyond simple resolutions.

This concept of unity in paradox suggests that the poem becomes a cohesive and integrated work of art, with paradoxical language serving as a vehicle for complexity and depth. The reader's engagement with the paradox contributes to a holistic understanding of the poem, emphasizing the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate elements.

Here is an example from William Wordsworth's It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free:

Dear Child! Dear Girl! that walkest with me here,

If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,

Thy nature is not therefore less divine:

In these lines, Wordsworth addresses a young girl walking with him and asserts that her apparent lack of solemn thought doesn't diminish her divinity. Here, the paradox lies in the juxtaposition of simplicity and divinity. The girl's ordinary, carefree demeanour is contrasted with the profound suggestion that her nature is, nonetheless, divine.

The unity in paradox emerges as Wordsworth harmonizes the contrasting elements: the everyday experience of a walk with a child and the recognition of a divine presence. This synthesis of the ordinary and the divine contributes to the overall unity of the poem. The paradoxical nature of the lines encourages readers to contemplate the profound within the commonplace, highlighting the coexistence of simplicity and grandeur in nature, a theme common in Wordsworth's poetry.

Poetic Ambiguity:

Poetic ambiguity refers to the intentional use of language in poetry that allows for multiple interpretations, inviting readers to engage in a more nuanced and subjective understanding of the text. Cleanth Brooks, in this essay, emphasizes the importance of ambiguity in poetry and how it enriches the overall poetic experience.

The following lines from Emily Dickinson's poem Because I could not stop for Death explains this very well:

Because I could not stop for Death -

He kindly stopped for me -

The Carriage held but just Ourselves -

And Immortality.

The ambiguity in these lines enriches the poetic experience by prompting readers to consider various perspectives. Is Death a benevolent escort or an unavoidable event? The poet deliberately leaves room for interpretation, encouraging readers to engage with the poem on a deeper level. This ambiguity adds layers of meaning, making the poem more thought-provoking and open to individual insights.

Cleanth Brooks would argue that the intentional use of ambiguity in poetry, as seen in these lines, allows for a dynamic interaction between the reader and the text. The multiple interpretations that arise from ambiguity contribute to the richness of the poem, making it a more engaging and enduring piece of literature.

Tension and Resolution: Exploring Paradox in Thomas Gray's Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard

The tension and resolution created by the paradox enhances the emotional and intellectual impact of the poem. In Thomas Gray's Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, the stanza that begins with the line "Can stoned urn or animated bust" is an excellent example of tension and resolution through paradox. He points out this using the specified lines:

Can stoned urn or animated bust

Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?

Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust?

Or Flattery soothe the dull cold ear of death?

The tension in these lines arises from the paradoxical questions posed by Gray. He questions whether commemorative symbols like an urn or a bust, despite being rich in stories and honors, can bring life back to the deceased. The paradox lies in the contrast between the grandeur of the memorials ("stoned urn" and "animated bust") and the inevitability of death's silence.

The resolution comes in the implied answer to these rhetorical questions, suggesting that no matter how ornate the memorials, they cannot reverse death or elicit a response from the deceased. The resolution, in this case, is a reflection on the inevitability and finality of death.

The reader is prompted to grapple with the profound questions about mortality and the limitations of human achievements in the face of death. The contrast between the grand aspirations of honour and the ultimate silence of death creates a poignant and thought-provoking moment in the poem.

Limitations of Cleanth Brooks' The Language of Paradox

It is essential to recognize the points that represent potential criticisms or limitations of Brooks' advocacy to see Paradox as the language of poetry. The opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of Brooks' The Language of Paradox can vary among literary scholars and readers. here are some of the limiations:

1. Critics argue that Brooks may overemphasize the centrality of paradox, neglecting other equally important elements in poetry.

2. The theory may not universally apply to all types of poetry, as some poets prioritize clarity and direct expression over paradox.

3. Brooks' analysis is rooted in a Western literary context, potentially limiting its applicability to poetry from diverse cultures and time periods.

4. Some argue that the essay oversimplifies the understanding of paradox in poetry, overlooking more intricate literary devices and techniques.

5. Brooks may neglect other important literary aspects, such as symbolism, imagery, or narrative structure, which contribute to a comprehensive analysis of poetry.

6. Critics suggest that the focus on paradox might have limited practical application for poets or readers seeking guidance in creating or understanding poetry.

7. The essay can be accused of drifting towards abstraction, potentially making it challenging for readers to connect theoretical concepts with practical examples.

8. The emphasis on reader interpretation can lead to subjective and varied understandings, making it challenging to establish a universally agreed-upon analysis.

9. Some poets may not prioritize paradox in their works, and this theory may not fully capture the diversity of poetic expression.

10. The essay might neglect the analysis of poetry that intentionally avoids paradox, missing an opportunity to explore alternative literary styles.