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Definition of Hyperbole
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements are usually quite obvious exaggerations intended to emphasize a point... read full definition
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements are usually quite obvious exaggerations... read full definition
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements... read full definition
Hyperbole
Explanation and Analysis—The Truest Old Chap:
Near the beginning of the story, as Bob tells a patrolling police officer about his childhood friend Jimmy (not realizing that the police officer is, in fact, the grown-up Jimmy), he uses a hyperbole, as seen in the following passage:
“Well, yes, for a time we corresponded,” said the other. “But after a year or two we lost track of each other. You see, the West is a pretty big proposition, and I kept hustling around over it pretty lively. But I know Jimmy will meet me here if he’s alive, for he always was the truest, stanchest old chap in the world. He’ll never forget."
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Only Place on Earth:
When telling a patrolling police officer about his childhood friend Jimmy (unaware that the officer is Jimmy), Bob uses a hyperbole, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Twenty years ago to-night,” said the man. “I dined here at ‘Big Joe’ Brady’s with Jimmy Wells […] He and I were raised here in New York, just like two brothers, together. I was eighteen and Jimmy was twenty. The next morning I was to start for the West to make my fortune. You couldn’t have dragged Jimmy out of New York; he thought it was the only place on earth.”
Related Themes:
