Question

which excerpt from dispatches is an example of paradox?

and at night it was beautiful. even the incoming was beautiful at night, beautiful and deeply dreadful.
one hit anywhere in the chopper would bring you back, bitten lips, white knuckles and all, and then you knew where you were.
at night you could lie out on some sandbags and watch the c-47s mounted with vulcans doing their work.
at night in khe sanh, waiting there, thinking about all of them (40,000, some said), thinking that they might really try it, could keep you up.

Explanation:

Define paradox in literary analysis

A paradox is a statement that appears self-contradictory or logically impossible on the surface, yet reveals a deeper, unexpected truth upon closer examination.

Analyze the given excerpts

• Excerpt 1: "And at night it was beautiful. Even the incoming was beautiful at night, beautiful and deeply dreadful."
• This contains a paradox: "incoming" (artillery fire) is described as both "beautiful" and "deeply dreadful." These opposing qualities coexist to capture the complex, terrifying allure of war.
• Excerpt 2: "One hit anywhere in the chopper..." describes physical and psychological tension, but contains no logical contradiction.
• Excerpt 3: "At night you could lie out..." is a straightforward description of observing military action.
• Excerpt 4: "At night in Khe Sanh..." describes anxiety and anticipation, which is a natural psychological state rather than a paradox.

Identify the correct option

The first excerpt is the only option that presents a clear paradox by juxtaposing beauty with dread.

Answer:

• (A) And at night it was beautiful. Even the incoming was beautiful at night, beautiful and deeply dreadful. (Correct answer)
• (B) One hit anywhere in the chopper would bring you back, bitten lips, white knuckles and all, and then you knew where you were.
• (C) At night you could lie out on some sandbags and watch the C-47's mounted with Vulcans doing their work.
• (D) At night in Khe Sanh, waiting there, thinking about all of them (40,000, some said), thinking that they might really try it, could keep you up.