Hyperbole Definition In Literature

Writers use it to engage readers with humor or catch them off guard with an unbelievable image.

Hyperbole definition in literature. Hyperbole example in literature. Hyperbole examples in literature. Examples of hyperbole in literature. The exaggeration in parker s back by flannery o connor helps to set up the characterization.

Hyperbole in literature is used for emphasis or effect. I was quaking from head to foot and could have hung my hat on my eyes they stuck out so far here twain utilizes hyperbole to explain a. Hyperbolic statements are usually quite obvious exaggerations intended to emphasize a point rather than be taken literally. Mark twain wrote in old times on the mississippi.

I did not know what in the world to do. The skin on her face was as thin and drawn as tight as the skin of onion and her eyes were gray and sharp like the points of two picks. The stories written by paul bunyan showcase a good number of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a rhetorical and literary technique where an author or speaker intentionally uses exaggeration and overstatement for emphasis and effect.

Hyperbole derived from a greek word meaning over casting is a figure of speech which 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. Hyperbole is a simple and straightforward technique that can be used to great effect by writers and speakers. Learn more through a comprehensive definition and multiple examples and then test your knowledge.

Hyperbole hi purr boh lee from the ancient greek huperbolē to throw beyond is a quantitative or qualitative exaggeration used for dramatic poetic or humorous effect it s a common figure of speech that adds flavor to writing. Definition usage and a list of hyperbole examples in common speech and literature. Auden writes in as i walked out one evening. Hyperbole abounds in literature.

For example in love poetry the speaker may use hyperbole to emphasize their intense passion and admiration for the beloved. Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. These 10 examples of hyperbole in literature show this literary tool being used to great expressive effect. Here s a quick and simple definition.