Antony and Cleopatra Literary Devices

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

Explanation and Analysis—Betrayal of Cleopatra:

In the following passage from Act 1, Scene 3, Cleopatra reacts with anger to the news that Antony is returning to Rome, especially given that this involves a return to his wife, Fulvia. She utilizes a fair amount of hyperbole in her speech:

CLEOPATRA: O, never was there queen
So mightily betrayed! Yet at the first
I saw the treasons planted.

ANTONY: Cleopatra—

CLEOPATRA: Why should I think you can be mine, and true—
Though you in swearing shake the thronèd gods—
Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth-made vows
Which break themselves in swearing!

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Explanation and Analysis—Cleopatra's Influence:

In Act 2, Scene 2, Enobarbus goes to extremes in his use of hyperbole, describing the supernatural events that seemingly took place at the time of Antony and Cleopatra's first meeting:

ENOBARBUS: The city cast
Her people out upon her; and Antony,
Enthroned i’ th’ market-place, did sit alone,
Whistling to th’ air, which but for vacancy
Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too
And made a gap in nature.

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Explanation and Analysis—Beauty as Power:

In the following passage from Act 2, Scene 2, Enobarbus describes Antony and Cleopatra's meeting to Agrippa and Maecenas, making use of hyperbolic language to emphasize Cleopatra's timeless beauty:

ENOBARBUS: Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. Other women cloy
The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies. For vilest things
Become themselves in her, that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.

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Antony and Cleopatra: Hyperbole 3 key examples

Definition of Hyperbole