Function of Hyperbole in English Literature

Hyperbole is a figure of speech and it is involved in exaggerating the ideas that need stress. However, it is a literary device and we use this device in our daily conversation to include a certain effect. However, the interpretation of the example of a hyperbole is not actually true, rather it is an embellishment and it highlights an emotion. It is applied to accentuate the thoughts, ideas and images presented in the literature and it dramatizes the overall text.

The objective of using hyperbole is to add an amusing effect in the text. In literature, it carries a great significance as it allows the writers to present something common in an intense manner. In short, by applying hyperbole, one can turn a common feeling into a remarkable one. Most importantly, the use of hyperbole provides a contrast as with this technique, something is explained by giving an extra stress and on the other hand, the other descriptions remain normal. Hence, it grabs the readers’ attention and makes the literary work memorable for a long time.

Example: My grandfather is as old as the hills.
Ayush was as heavy as an elephant.
Ages have passed since I met with you.
My bag weighs a ton.
By hearing the conversation, I was dying of shame.

However, hyperbole is totally different from the simile and metaphor. It does not make comparison, rather it adds a humorous effect in the writing. In brief, it creates overstatement and it points put an action or a characteristic of a person. Sometimes, it is combined with the alliteration and rhyme. Moreover, it is noticeably used in the literature.

Hyperbole Examples in Literature:

The stories written by Paul Bunyan showcase a good number of hyperbole.
“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.”
William Shakespeare has also used hyperbole in his play ‘Macbeth’. In addition to this, C. Colloid’s ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ presents good examples of hyperbole. Another novel named ‘The Heart of Darkness’ written by Joseph Conrad comprise the examples of this literary device.