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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
Chapter 37: A Little Cold Water
Explanation and Analysis—Poor Laborer:
In Chapter 37, David tells Dora that Aunt Betsey has lost her fortune and that he now needs to work for money. Dora reacts badly, and Dickens emphasizes her bad reaction with a hyperbole:
At first Miss Mills thought it was a quarrel, and that we were verging on the Desert of Sahara; but she soon found out how matters stood, for my dear affectionate little Dora, embracing her, began exclaiming that I was ‘a poor laborer;’ and then cried for me, and embraced me, and asked me would I let her give me all her money to keep, and then fell on Miss Mills’s neck, sobbing as if her tender heart were broken.
Related Themes:
Chapter 49: I Am Involved in Mystery
Explanation and Analysis—Undiscoverable Atoms:
In Chapter 49, Mr. Micawber bursts into tears at Miss Betsey's. He uses a string of hyperboles to describe his newfound determination to expose Uriah Heep as a liar and cheat:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] I’ll know nobody—and—a—say nothing—and—a—live nowhere—until I have crushed—to—a—undiscoverable atoms—the—transcendent and immortal hypocrite and perjurer—HEEP!
Related Themes:
