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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
Book 1, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Descriptions of Natives:
In Book 1, Chapter 4, Bradford describes indigenous North Americans in hyperbolic language, using blatant exaggeration to frame them as the epitome of unrestrained evil:
Not content to kill, they delight in tormenting people in the most bloody manner possible; flaying some alive with the shells of fishes, cutting off the members and joints of others piecemeal, broiling them on the coals, and eating collops of their flesh in their sight whilst they live,—with other cruelties too horrible to be related.
This passage is clearly hyperbolic; it is highly suspect to say that any one group of people categorically "delight[s] in tormenting people." This hyperbole operates in service of dangerous preconceptions and biases against indigenous people. Bradford is not alone in exaggerating the evil behaviors of indigenous people: at the time he was writing these journal entries, this kind of characterization was unfortunately common amongst European merchants, explorers, and literary figures. The scene he paints with his words is grotesque and, in all likelihood, entirely untrue.
This hyperbolic description of native violence would serve as justification for the genocidal and violent actions of settler-colonists like Bradford himself. If people believe they are acting in self-defense (even if the actions of the "enemy" are highly exaggerated or entirely falsified), seemingly any manner of violence can be justified.
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