In literature, a paradox is a device used to force the reader to consider a statement or idea more deeply or critically than at face value. It is a statement or idea that seems illogical but upon further analysis, does make sense. A literary paradox is a statement that appears to contradict itself but upon further rumination, either reveals a deeper meaning or actually makes sense. Paradoxes are often used in literature as a poignant device. They are effective in creating interest and a need for resolution on the part of the reader for understanding.

A paradox can be a sentence, a phrase, or an entire book theme. It contains an apparent contradiction and a deeper truth. If the contradiction is unsolvable, it’s a logical paradox. If it happens at the level of individual words, it’s an oxymoron. A paradoxical situation or idea in a literary work creates tension and potential suspense for the reader.

To write a good paradox, the statement must contain an apparent contradiction. The writer must think in opposites. There must be some sort of conclusion or truth that the reader discovers after some consideration. Literary paradoxes do have a conclusion, which is often reached through reason and requires just a little extra thought. The message of a literary paradox is often not found in its literal meaning. In fact, its literal meaning is often beside the point.

Examples of paradoxes in literature include the statement "less is more" and the phrase "I am nobody". One of the most famous examples of paradox is from Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, where a soldier must want to go on dangerous missions in order to be determined insane and would not go on more dangerous missions, but if he did not want to go, he was considered sane and would have to go on said missions.