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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
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Dissolution of the World:
Speaking with Escalus in his disguise as a traveling friar, Duke Vincentio speaks hyperbolically about the evils of the world:
ESCALUS
What news abroad i’ th’ world?DUKE, as Friar
None but that there is so great a fever
on goodness that the dissolution of it must cure it.
Novelty is only in request, and it is as dangerous to
be aged in any kind of course as it is virtuous to be
constant in any undertaking.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Unpeople the Province:
Lucio uses a hyperbole when complaining of Angelo’s policies as ruler to Duke Vincentio, who is disguised as a friar:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I would the Duke we talk of were returned again. This
ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with
continency. Sparrows must not build in his house
eaves, because they are lecherous.The duke
yet would have dark deeds darkly answered;
he would never bring them to light: would he were returned!
