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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
Act 3, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Chop Off my Hands:
At the start of Act 3, Scene 1, Titus laments to himself that he would cut his hands off, heartbroken at the tragedies that have befallen his sons, who are now slated for the execution block. His vocal wishes of self-harm are hyperbolic and excessive, demonstrating the depth of his grief and the intensity of his resolve to exact vengeance, which is growing with every passing moment:
Give me a sword. I’ll chop off my hands too,
For they have fought for Rome and all in vain;
And they have nursed this woe in feeding life;
In bootless prayer have they been held up,
And they have served me to effectless use.
Now all the service I require of them
Is that the one will help to cut the other.—
’Tis well, Lavinia, that thou hast no hands,
For hands to do Rome service is but vain.
Related Themes:
