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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 The Comedy of Errors
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis:
Mistaking her husband for his twin brother, Adriana is distraught at what she believes to be his complete abandonment of her, and she hyperbolically claims that that she will cry to death if he does not return to her:
ADRIANA
Since that my beauty cannot please his eye,
I’ll weep what’s left away, and weeping die.LUCIANA
How many fond fools serve mad jealousy!
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Exaggerated Love:
Adriana lists Antipholus of Ephesus’s past hyperboles regarding his love for her, made during their courtship, in a scene that satirizes the conventions of romantic poetry. She recites:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The time was once when thou unurged wouldst vow
That never words were music to thine ear,
That never object pleasing in thine eye,
That never touch well welcome to thy hand,
That never meat sweet-savored in thy taste,
Unless I spake, or looked, or touched, or carved to
thee.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—All Grease:
Dromio of Syracuse uses hyperbolic language to exaggerate both the size and greasiness of the kitchen maid, Luce, who mistakes him for his brother, who is in fact her true husband. He says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Marry, sir, she’s the kitchen
wench, and all grease, and I know not what use to
put her to but to make a lamp of her and run from
her by her own light. I warrant her rags and the
tallow in them will burn a Poland winter. If she lives
till doomsday, she’ll burn a week longer than the
whole world.
