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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 King Lear
Act 1, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Goneril's Endless Love:
Shakespeare establishes the core tensions between Lear and his daughters right at the beginning of the play, as he challenges them to make elaborate declarations of their love for him in Act 1, Scene 1. Goneril’s speech is particularly over-the-top:
Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter,
Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty,
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare,
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor;
As much as child e'er loved or father found;
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable.
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.
Related Themes:
Act 1, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—The Spiteful Child:
Although the ending of King Lear stings the audience with the lasting power of Lear’s grief, he spends most of the play more angry—and, eventually, insane—than sad. In Act 1, Scene 4, he focuses his rage on his treacherous daughter, Goneril:
Unlock with LitCharts A+If she must teem,
Create her child of spleen, that it may live
And be a thwart disnatured torment to her.
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth,
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks,
Turn all her mother’s pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt, that she may feel
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.— Away, away!
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 7
Explanation and Analysis—Gloucester's Last Stand:
When Gloucester makes his final stand against Regan and admits that he has sent Lear to Dover, he explains his reasoning for his defiance in no uncertain terms, using hyperbole to emphasize his point:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Because I would not see thy cruel nails
Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister
In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs.
The sea, with such a storm as his bare head
In hell-black night endured, would have buoyed up,
And quenched the stellèd fires;
Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain.
If wolves had at thy gate howled that stern time,
Thou shouldst have said “Good porter, turn the key.”
All cruels else subscribe. But I shall see
The wingèd vengeance overtake such children.
Related Themes:
