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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 12
Explanation and Analysis—Painting Arms:
In Chapter 12, Asher's mentor, Jacob Kahn, says that he will display Asher's nude drawings in his first major exhibition without his permission. When Asher protests, Kahn uses the following hyperbole:
Our artist is an important investment. Our artist is being given a very big show. There are artists in this world twice his age who would cut off their painting arms for such a show. We will ignore our artist's shyness and take the nudes.
For Asher, his nude drawings represent everything his family distrusts and despises about his artistic gift. His family finds them deeply offensive—even though the paintings they will find most offensive are still to come.
When Asher protests, Jacob uses the hyperbole that other artists "would cut off their painting arms" for an opportunity like the one Asher has gotten. This is Jacob's way of conveying to him that he cannot shy away from anything if he is to be successful as an artist, even if it means driving a further wedge between him and his family. Jacob putting the nudes in the show demonstrates that Asher's gift has grown somewhat beyond his control and that if he wants to continue and rise to his potential, he will need to make big sacrifices.
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