Previous
Genre
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
Act 1, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Helen of Troy:
In Act 1, Scene 2, Tranio (under the guise of Lucentio) discusses his courtship of Bianca with several of the other men. Tranio tries to compare his lady love to the most desirable object he can think of. To do so, he utilizes both allusion and hyperbole:
TRANIO: [as Lucentio] She may more suitors have, and me for one.
Fair Leda’s daughter had a thousand wooers;
Then well one more may fair Bianca have.
And so she shall. Lucentio shall make one,
Though Paris came in hope to speed alone.
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Grumio's Weariness:
At the beginning of Act 4, Scene 1, Grumio complains about his weariness, soliloquizing to the observing audience. In this passage, Shakespeare utilizes tactile imagery and hyperbole to further provide the audience with insight into Grumio's character:
Unlock with LitCharts A+GRUMIO: Fie, fie on all tired jades, on all mad masters, and
all foul ways! Was ever man so beaten? Was ever man so
'rayed? Was ever man so weary? I am sent before to make
a fire, and they are coming after to warm them. Now,
were not I a little pot and soon hot, my very lips might
freeze to my teeth, my tongue to the roof of my mouth,
my heart in my belly, ere I should come by a fire to
thaw me. But I with blowing the fire shall warm myself.
For, considering the weather, a taller man than I will
take cold.—
