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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 4
Explanation and Analysis—Soft Endlessness:
Adichie uses a combination of visual and tactile imagery and hyperbole to depict Kambili’s perception of safety with her father as a younger child. This was particularly true during thunderstorms, when he would comfort her:
When I had thought of heaven as a child, I visualized Papa’s room, the softness, the creaminess, the endlessness. I would snuggle into Papa’s arms when harmattan thunderstorms raged outside, flinging mangoes against the window netting and making the electric wires hit each other and spark bright orange flames. Papa would lodge me between his knees or wrap me in the cream blanket that smelled of safety.
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Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Musical Voice:
As Kambili listens to Father Amadi speak about the “apparitions” of the Virgin Mary in Aokpe, the narrative uses hyperbole and simile to convey Kambili’s infatuation with his beautiful speaking voice:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He spoke so effortlessly, as if his mouth were a musical instrument that just let sound out when touched, when opened.
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Chapter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Body and Blood:
Kambili’s spiritual refreshment and reaffirmation of faith during the pilgrimage to Aokpe are dramatic; she uses visual imagery and hyperbole to describe her experience of witnessing the apparition of the Virgin Mary:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The sun turned white, the color and shape of the host. And then I saw her, the Blessed Virgin: an image in the pale sun, a red glow on the back of my hand, a smile on the face of the rosary-bedecked man whose arm rubbed against mine. She was everywhere.
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Chapter 17
Explanation and Analysis—Squeeze the Clouds:
The final sentences of Purple Hibiscus use simile and hyperbole to capture Kambili’s newfound sense of hope and freedom as she and Beatrice travel to pick up Jaja from prison. She’s finally able to envision a better future for herself and her family:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I am laughing. I reach out and place my arm around Mama’s shoulder and she leans toward me and smiles. Above, clouds like dyed cotton wool hang low, so low I feel I can reach out and squeeze the moisture from them. The new rains will come down soon.
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