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Hyperbole
Explanation and Analysis—Oncoming Anger:
In this passage from Chapter 11, Scout uses both hyperbole and simile to describe an agonizing wait at home, following Jem's decision to destroy Mrs. Dubose's flowers.
Two geological ages later, we heard the soles of Atticus’s shoes scrape the front steps. The screen door slammed, there was a pause—Atticus was at the hat rack in the hall—and we heard him call, “Jem!” His voice was like the winter wind.
Clearly it did not actually take Atticus two "geological ages" to arrive home. This is hyperbole, used to illustrate the feeling of time slowing down to a crawl at the prospect of Atticus arriving home angry.
In a few short lines, Lee manages to accurately communicate one of the core anxieties young children must all deal with: the anticipation of punishment for wrongdoing. This is a natural part of growing up. After all, part of becoming an adult is learning to accept responsibility for one's actions. The importance of this lesson in Atticus's parenting is revealed through the children's behavior in this scene. Both Jem and Scout know that their father will not let them get away with terrorizing Mrs. Dubose, even if she deserves it. Atticus cares about principles and responsibility, and it is clear from the above excerpt that Jem feels guilty for violating those core values.
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