Hyperbole, or overstatement, is a common device used in literature to emphasize or illustrate the writer's points or metaphors. The 'dramatic' element in hyperbole allows the story to explore the issues of the situations involved, and characters representing points of view to be more easily contrasted. In hyperbolic expression, anything can be overstated to the point of absurdity, to give a high impact to the narrative and further developments of the concepts. |
Examples of Hyperbole in Literature:
Voltaire's Candide: Doctor Pangloss' dictum 'All is for the best in this best of all possible worlds'. Voltaire's Candide reprise: Cunegonde's story, set in contrast against the background of Doctor Pangloss' dictum. https://faculty.rcoe.appstate.edu/smithtw/RE_3150_web/Craft_Minilessons/RE_3150_s03/Celine_Ellison_Hyperbole.htm |