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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
Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Sexual Wrongs:
In Act 2, Dainty, Lady Fidget, and Mrs. Squeamish discuss the fickle and deceptive nature of men, utilizing hyperbole to emphasize the anger they feel at the behavior of their sexual and romantic counterparts:
DAINTY. Nay, they do satisfy their vanity upon us sometimes; and are kind to us in their report, tell all the world they lie with us.
LADY FIDGET. Damned rascals! That we should be only wronged by ’em. To report a man has had a person, when he has not had a person, is the greatest wrong in the whole world that can be done to a person.
Though undoubtedly it is not the greatest wrong in the world for a man to report that he has slept with a woman when, in fact, he has not, this perspective of Lady Fidget's reveals something about the importance of reputation when it comes to sexual and social dynamics. In the narrow world of The Country Wife, to have one's self-determination revoked and reputation sullied may feel like the worst thing in the world. Indeed, more than feeling awful, such a downfall in reputation may have real-world consequences, preventing women from being able to marry men with the means to support them financially.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Greatest Shame:
Upon discovering Horner's secret—that he is, in fact, not impotent—at the end of Act 2, Lady Fidget reacts not with outrage at his deception but with disbelief that he could be so giving and thoughtful to the women around him. She states this, in so many words, utilizing a fair amount of hyperbole for emphasis:
LADY FIDGET. But, poor gentleman, could you be so generous, so truly a man of honour, as for the sakes of us women of honour, to cause yourself to be reported no man? No man! And to suffer yourself the greatest shame that could fall upon a man, that none might fall upon us women by your conversation? But indeed, sir, as perfectly, perfectly, the same man as before going into France, sir? As perfectly, perfectly, sir?
Lady Fidget, in the above passage, claims that impotence is the "greatest shame" that could befall a man and asks Horner why he would let his name be so besmirched. Obviously, there are greater shames that could befall a man; but, again, in this sliver of high society, amongst libertines, impotence appears as one of the utmost problems a person could face. This use of hyperbole serves to emphasize the shock and full extent of emotion Lady Fidget experiences upon receiving news of Horner's supposedly noble sacrifice.
Related Themes:
