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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
Book 1: Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Boring Her Forever:
When Lily is forced to discuss the boring subjects that Percy Gryce passes his time “working” on, she thinks about how much she dreads having to marry someone like him. Wharton employs satire and hyperbole to emphasize how displeased Lily is with her lot in life:
She had been bored all the afternoon by Percy Gryce—the mere thought seemed to waken an echo of his droning voice—but she could not ignore him on the morrow, she must follow up her success, must submit to more boredom, must be ready with fresh compliances and adaptabilities, and all on the bare chance that he might ultimately decide to do her the honour of boring her for life.
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Book 1: Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Coachman Petrified:
Percy Gryce waits impatiently in his coach for Lily to exit the Bellomont house so that he can accompany her to church. She takes her time, and Wharton uses hyperbole to emphasize how long Gryce feels like she’s making him wait:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] the coachman seemed to be slowly petrifying on the box, and the groom on the doorstep; and still the lady did not come.
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