Hyperbole Definition And Examples In Literature

A man may tear a jewel.

Hyperbole definition and examples in literature. Some famous examples include. The exaggeration in parker s back by flannery o connor helps to set up the characterization. Hyperbole often appears in literature particularly prose literature like novels and stories. 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.

Hyperbole in literature is used for emphasis or effect. Kurt vonnegut frequently uses hyperbole in his novels for both dramatic and comedic effect. Oftentimes first person novels with unreliable narrators will use hyperbole to demonstrate their narrator s character deficiencies. Examples of hyperbole in literature.

Hyperbole abounds in literature. Hyperbole in kurt vonnegut s slaughterhouse five. Hyperbole example in literature. You can find examples of hyperbole in literature and everyday speech.

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. 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. However when a hyperbole is used appropriately its effect is purposeful and emphatic causing the reader to pay attention to that particular point. We often use hyperbole in everyday speech but we also use it in prose and poetry.

Mark twain wrote in old times on the mississippi. Definition usage and a list of hyperbole examples in common speech and literature. Hyperbole or exaggeration used to make a point is a common and colorful technique in literature. Bhartrihari a man may tear a jewel composed in sanskrit this short but dense poem uses superhuman exaggerations to illustrate how difficult it is to change the mind of an ignorant person who believes they are right.

Examples of hyperbole in literature. You wouldn t want to use it in nonfiction works like reports or research papers but it s perfect for creative writing and communication especially. Hyperbole examples hyperbole in literature. Learn more through a comprehensive definition and multiple examples and then test your knowledge.

It is the opposite of understatement. Auden writes in as i walked out one evening. For example in love poetry the speaker may use hyperbole to emphasize their intense passion and admiration for the beloved. Catcher in the rye j d.

Examples of hyperbole can be found throughout literature and poetry. These 10 examples of hyperbole in literature show this literary tool being used to great expressive effect.