Hyperbole
Hyperbole
Hyperbole
Definition of Hyperbole
Hyperbole, derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting,” is
a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake
of emphasis.
“Well now, one winter it was so cold that all the geese flew backward
and all the fish moved south and even the snow turned blue. Late at
night, it got so frigid that all spoken words froze solid afore they could
be heard. People had to wait until sunup to find out what folks were
talking about the night before.”
Macbeth, the tragic hero, feels the unbearable prick of his conscience
after killing the king. He regrets his sin, and believes that even the
oceans of the greatest magnitude cannot wash the blood of the king
off his hands. We can see the effective use of hyperboles in the given
lines.
Example #3: As I Walked One Evening (By W. H. Auden)
The use of hyperbole can be seen in the above lines in the meeting
of China and Africa, the jumping of the river over the mountain, the
singing of salmon in the street, and the ocean being folded and hung
up to dry are exaggerations, not possible in real life.
“He cried all night, and dawn found him still there, though his tears
had dried and only hard, dry sobs shook his wooden frame. But these
were so loud that they could be heard by the faraway hills …”
The crying of Pinocchio all night until his tears became dry is an
example of Hyperbole.
The act of waiting ten days seemed to last forever and never end.
Example #6: Two Sunflowers Move in the Yellow Room (By William
Blake)
Function of Hyperbole
The above arguments make clear the use of hyperbole. In our daily
conversation, we use hyperbole to create an amusing effect, or to
emphasize our meaning. However, in literature it has very serious
implications. By using hyperbole, a writer or a poet makes common
human feelings remarkable and intense to such an extent that they
do not remain ordinary. In literature, usage of hyperbole develops
contrasts. When one thing is described with an over-statement, and
the other thing is presented normally, a striking contrast is developed.
This technique is employed to catch the reader’s attention.