Abstract: In his first work The Invention of Solitude, the contemporary American writer Paul Auster makes full use of the art of paradox. Employed in almost every aspect of the work, such as themes, language, plot, structure and character, the art of paradox is not only a key feature of this work but also has greatly influenced Auster’s later writings. Writing paradox, paradox of life and death, and ethical paradox are the three most popular forms of paradox in the work. The interpretation of these paradoxes would help us to have a better understanding of the work itself and Auster’s other works, as well as his real life.

Keywords: The Invention of Solitude; writing paradox; paradox of life and death; ethical paradox

Author: Xue Yufeng is Professor of English at the College of Foreign Languages, Zhejiang SCI-TECH University, China (310018). Her academic interests include American literature and European culture. Her recent publications include“Mark Twain’s Ideas of Autobiography” (2016), “The Real Mark Twain in His Daughter’s Eyes” (2016), “Mark Twain’s Memory of His Perfect Daughter Susy” (2017), etc. Email: xueyufeng@hotmail.com