FIGURES OF SPEECH (HYPERBOLE).

FIGURES OF SPEECH.

Hyperbole

 

Hyperbole is a figure of speech which helps the poet in expressing the idea in the most effective manner. Hyperbole is a Greek term which means "exaggeration". Here, the poet uses overstatements. He presents something, some idea in an exaggerated manner.

 

For example, W. H. Auden expresses his feeling of love in an exaggerated manner thus, "My love, I will adore you until Africa and China meet." Lady Macbeth too expresses her feeling of repent, "All the perfumes of Arabian sea cannot sweeten my little hands." Hyperboles are used by the poets to express the idea in the most impressive manner.

 

Examples of Hyperbole

 

"She’s the best dancer in the world."

• This exaggerates someone's dancing skills to highlight how impressive they are.

"He’s been waiting for ages."

• This exaggerates the length of time someone has been waiting to stress their impatience.

"This bag weighs a ton."

• This exaggerates the heaviness of a bag to emphasize how heavy it feels.

"He’s as strong as an ox."

• This exaggerates someone's strength by comparing it to the strength of an ox.

"I could sleep for a year."

• This exaggerates the amount of sleep needed to emphasize extreme tiredness.