The phrase “living death” in a literary work is an example _________?

A. Synecdoche
B. Prose
C. Oxymoron
D. Aside

Correct Answer:

Option C – Oxymoron

Explanation

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or “living death”. However, the contrasting words/phrases are not always glued together. The contrasting ideas may be spaced out in a sentence, such as, “In order to lead, you must walk behind.”