paradox short stories

One characteristic is the presence of contradictory elements. For example, in a story, a character may strive for freedom but in the process become more trapped. Another characteristic is that they often make the reader question assumptions. A story might present a situation where what seems like a good thing turns out to have negative consequences, making the reader re - evaluate what they thought was positive.

Another theme is the circular nature of time. Sometimes in these short stories, events seem to loop. Like a character keeps repeating the same actions in different time periods without being able to break the cycle. It shows how time can be like a never - ending circle in a time paradox situation. Also, the idea of self - fulfilling prophecies is common. A character might try to avoid something they know will happen in the future, but in the process of trying to avoid it, they end up causing it.

One common theme is the butterfly effect. A small action in the past can cause huge changes in the future, creating paradoxes. For example, in 'A Sound of Thunder', stepping on a butterfly in the past changes the entire future world. Another theme is self - causation. Characters often become the cause of their own existence or problems through time travel, like in 'All You Zombies'.

A short story like 'The Mysterious Clock' often contains a paradox. The way the clock behaves defies normal logic and creates a paradoxical scenario for the characters.

It's an allegory. The story uses symbols and events to represent larger ideas and social issues.

One common theme is the grandfather paradox. This is where a time traveler goes back in time and does something that would prevent their own existence, like killing their grandfather before their father was born. Another theme is the bootstrap paradox, where an object or information has no origin because it was brought back in time and became its own source.

Predestination is a common theme. For example, in stories where a character goes back in time to prevent an event but ends up causing it. Another theme is the bootstrap paradox, like when an object or information has no origin but is passed through time loops. Also, the idea of alternate timelines often pops up, where a change in the past creates a new future that branches off from the original one.

One great paradox short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It presents a seemingly ordinary small town with an annual lottery. The paradox lies in the fact that this lottery, which is a long - held tradition, is actually a brutal stoning. People blindly follow the tradition without really thinking about its inhumane nature.

There's 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury. In this story, a small change in the past during a time - traveling safari has far - reaching and unexpected consequences, creating a sort of butterfly - effect - like paradox. It shows how a seemingly minor alteration in the past can completely change the future in unforeseen ways.

One great time paradox short story is 'All You Zombies'. It's a mind - bender where a character is their own mother and father due to time travel. Another is 'The End of Eternity' which explores how manipulating time can lead to paradoxes and unforeseen consequences. And 'By His Bootstraps' also delves deep into the complex nature of time paradoxes.