A paradox exists when a seemingly contradictory statement is given that, upon closer examination, reveals a compelling truth. (Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. "in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it") Look over the lyrics from The Script's song "Breakeven" and write a line that includes a paradox. Then, in your own words, summarize the paradox being discussed throughout the Edmund Spenser poem.

The line that includes paradox in 'Breakeven' is in line "Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in" and in the poem by Edmund in "My Love is like to ice, and I to fire."

Explanation:

The paradox is a literary device that is used to create or present a contradiction between two ideas or thoughts or objects.

'Breakeven' is a song written by a rock band named The Script. The paradox that can be found in the lyrics is in the second line of the song which says that the speaker prayed to God in whom he did not believe. It is paradox because it is creating the contradictory thoughts of the speaker praying to someone whom he does not believe leads people to think of what the speaker must be praying about to God. Moreover, if he does not have faith in God than what is he hoping for from Him?

In Sonnet 30 of Edmund Spenser, the contradictory thoughts are revealed in the first line of the poem which says that the lover of the poet is like an ice and the speaker like a fire. Ice and fire are both contradictory, thus creating a paradox. This paradox has been discussed throughout the sonnet showing the difference between the feelings of the poet and his lover. The speaker says that his 'hot desires' could not melt his lover's 'cold heart.' The poem is talking about one sided-love of the speaker.