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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—The Truest Old Chap:
Near the beginning of the story, as Bob tells a patrolling police officer about his childhood friend Jimmy (not realizing that the police officer is, in fact, the grown-up Jimmy), he uses a hyperbole, as seen in the following passage:
“Well, yes, for a time we corresponded,” said the other. “But after a year or two we lost track of each other. You see, the West is a pretty big proposition, and I kept hustling around over it pretty lively. But I know Jimmy will meet me here if he’s alive, for he always was the truest, stanchest old chap in the world. He’ll never forget."
In describing Jimmy as “the truest, stanchest old chap in the world,” Bob uses hyperbolic language to capture his respect for his old friend’s reliable nature. He does not believe his declaration to be literally true, but uses it to impress upon the police officer his belief in his friend’s character, despite the fact that they have not been in touch for at least 18 years.
This moment is significant because it helps prepare readers for Jimmy’s decision to have Bob arrested for criminal charges back in Chicago. It is precisely because of Jimmy’s moral character—that Bob professes to admire so much—that he prioritizes his professional duty as a police officer over his personal loyalty as a friend.
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Explanation and Analysis—Only Place on Earth:
When telling a patrolling police officer about his childhood friend Jimmy (unaware that the officer is Jimmy), Bob uses a hyperbole, as seen in the following passage:
“Twenty years ago to-night,” said the man. “I dined here at ‘Big Joe’ Brady’s with Jimmy Wells […] He and I were raised here in New York, just like two brothers, together. I was eighteen and Jimmy was twenty. The next morning I was to start for the West to make my fortune. You couldn’t have dragged Jimmy out of New York; he thought it was the only place on earth.”
The hyperbole here—in which Bob describes young Jimmy’s belief that New York “was the only place on earth”—communicates why Jimmy had no interest in “start[ing] for the West” with Bob 20 years ago. The exaggerated language helps readers to understand what kept the two friends apart for all this time—Bob wanted to find adventure and fortune away from New York, and Jimmy felt strongly about staying.
O. Henry makes it clear over the course of the story that this key difference between the men ends up sealing their fates. Because Jimmy is so committed to New York, he became a dedicated police officer, and because he became a dedicated police officer, he felt he had to arrest Bob upon realizing that he was a wanted man in Chicago.
Related Themes:
