Is there a oxymoron in the bad beginning?

Answer 1

In "A Bad Beginning," the term "jumble of misery" could be considered an oxymoron, as it juxtaposes the chaotic nature of a "jumble" with the structured concept of "misery." While the phrase itself is not a conventional oxymoron, it reflects the contradictory feelings of the Baudelaire orphans facing their dire circumstances. The narrative often highlights the absurdity and contradictions in life, which is a hallmark of Lemony Snicket's writing style.