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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
Hyperbole
Explanation and Analysis—Old Man Warner’s Lament:
During the lottery proceedings, Jackson focuses briefly on the character Old Man Warner, who is participating in the lottery for the 77th time. In this moment, Old Man Warner shares his thoughts on people in a nearby village thinking about giving up the lottery tradition, using hyperbolic language in the process:
“Pack of crazy fools,” he said. “Listening to the young folks, nothing’s good enough for them. Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more, live that way for a while […] First thing you know, we’d all be eating stewed chickweed and acorns. There’s always been a lottery,” he added petulantly.
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