Rabu, 18 Mei 2016
HYPERBOLE
DEFINITION OF HYPERBOLE
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.
EXAMPLE OF HYPERBOLE
My grandmother is as old as the hills.
Your suitcase weighs a ton!
She is as heavy as an elephant!
I am dying of shame.
I am trying to solve a million issues these
days.
I have
a million things to do.
I had to walk 15 miles to school in the
snow, uphill.
I had a ton of homework.
If I can’t buy that new game, I will die.
He is as skinny as a toothpick.
This car goes faster than the speed of
light.
That new car costs a bazillion dollars.
We are so poor; we don’t have two cents to
rub together.
FUNCTION OF THE
HYPERBOLE
The above arguments make clear the use of hyperbole. In our daily conversation, we use hyperbole to emphasize for an amusing effect. 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.
REFFERENCE
