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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
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Greatest of All:
In this passage, the author uses hyperbole to show the intense nationalism taught to German children during the late 1930s to mid-1940s. Bruno and children like him were taught by teachers and parents that Germany and Germans were superior to other countries and people. Here, Bruno compares Poland to Germany when talking to Shmuel:
'Poland,' said Bruno thoughtfully, weighing up the word on his tongue. 'That's not as good as Germany, is it?'
Shmuel frowned. 'Why isn't it?' he asked.
'Well, because Germany is the greatest of all countries,' Bruno replied [...]
'We're superior.'
The Nazis used nationalism as a way to strengthen and justify their violent actions. Many Germans felt they had been treated unfairly in the aftermath of losing the First World War. Penalties that the victorious countries exacted—most famously a document called the Treaty of Versailles—contributed to mass inflation, poverty, and political unrest. The Nazis used this atmosphere of discontent to whip up support for their platform and fuel their rise to power.
he hyperbolic statement "Germany is the greatest of all countries" reveals the exaggerated national pride taught to German children through Nazi propaganda. Hitler and his regime wanted to raise a generation of children who loved and hated according to their doctrines. Through enforcing Nazi ideology in the classroom, Hitler's advisors made deliberate efforts to shape young minds to believe in Germany’s superiority. Children like Bruno grew up perceiving other nations—such as Poland—as fundamentally inferior. The phrase "we’re superior," which Bruno delivers here as an uncontested fact, highlights the dangers of this kind of indoctrination. It's hyperbolic because it's an exaggeration that's not founded in truth. However, Bruno doesn't know that and can't answer Shmuel when he laters asks why Germany is "superior."
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