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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
Key Examples in Bernice Bobs Her Hair
Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—"Barb-Wire" Skyscraper:
Marjorie judiciously uses hyperbole to give Bernice strategic advice about her lackluster social interactions at parties. She explains to Bernice that even if she’s stuck with awkward men, she must endeavor to make it work to her advantage:
"No girl can afford to neglect them. They're the big part of any crowd. Young boys too shy to talk are the very best conversational practice. Clumsy boys are the best dancing practice. If you can follow them and yet look graceful you can follow a baby tank across a barb-wire skyscraper."
Related Themes:
Part 5
Explanation and Analysis—Lank Lifeless Locks:
When Bernice finally gets a look at her much-discussed bob, the author employs hyperbole to dramatize her horrified reaction to her new hairstyle:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Twenty minutes later the barber swung her round to face the mirror, and she flinched at the full extent of the damage that had been wrought. Her hair was not curls and now it lay in lank lifeless blocks on both sides of her suddenly pale face. It was ugly as sin—she had known it would be ugly as sin.
Related Themes:
