Authors use paradox to present ideas that, on the surface, seem contradictory. But with deeper analysis, readers figure out that the ideas together make sense. In addition, the intentional pairing of opposing ideas can enhance their meaning or even create new, unexpected meaning. What are some examples of paradox in “The Birthmark”? How does Hawthorne’s use of paradox affect your understanding of the characters and the plot? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

the: determiner

storm: noun

remains: verb

a: determiner

threat: noun

to: preposition

the: determiner

coastal: adjective

village: noun

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the miracle worker themeswilliam gibson

themes and meanings

(comprehensive guide to drama)

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there are two central themes in  the miracle worker: that the human spirit can triumph over even the most daunting of disabilities and that a dedicated teacher can transform the lives of those with whom he or she comes into contact. these inspirational themes have long been personified in the widely known true-life relationship between helen keller and annie sullivan, but  the miracle worker  also dramatizes collateral issues that extend beyond the particular case. underlying helen’s process of learning basic principles of what annie terms “obedience” (decorum, etiquette, and hygiene), there are more universal lessons of self-governance—the inculcation of self-restraint instead of willfulness, the development of self-discipline instead of self-indulgence. only when these lessons have been mastered can helen begin to acquire language—which, annie says, “is to the mind more than light is to the eye.”