Previous
Genre
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 3
Explanation and Analysis—Boring Her Forever:
When Lily is forced to discuss the boring subjects that Percy Gryce passes his time “working” on, she thinks about how much she dreads having to marry someone like him. Wharton employs satire and hyperbole to emphasize how displeased Lily is with her lot in life:
She had been bored all the afternoon by Percy Gryce—the mere thought seemed to waken an echo of his droning voice—but she could not ignore him on the morrow, she must follow up her success, must submit to more boredom, must be ready with fresh compliances and adaptabilities, and all on the bare chance that he might ultimately decide to do her the honour of boring her for life.
In this passage, the narrator pays close attention to Lily’s psychological state. Through this, Wharton critically examines the social expectations of marriage in the early 20th century. Lily knows she must marry for money, or she will be forced to live a life of relative poverty and hardship. However, she resents the idea of having to marry someone as boring and self-absorbed as Gryce. The author sardonically describes the idea of Percy Gryce proposing as an “honour” while also making it clear that Lily doesn’t think it really is one.
This passage lampoons the repetitive and restrictive life women of Lily’s class were forced to lead. It also reflects Lily’s justifiable dread at the prospect of a life shackled to monotony and a boring man. Her thoughts here mock the idea that marriage in high society is an "honorable" endeavor. Wharton’s suggesting, instead, that it’s often more about societal compliance and financial safety than love or mutual respect.
The author also employs hyperbole to emphasize the social obligations foisted upon the protagonist. As she does in many places in The House of Mirth, Wharton exaggerates and dramatizes situations to satirize high society. The repetition of the word "must" and the phrase "boring her for life" accentuate the weight of expectations Lily faces. It's worth noting also that this passage is all one sentence, which formally echoes what’s going on in the plot. The author is implying that Lily’s life will also be long and full of repetition if she marries Gryce: it will be like a long sentence. The passage's exaggerated language and syntax serve to magnify the dreary nature of the ritualized courtship process Lily must endure.
Related Themes:
Book 1: Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—Coachman Petrified:
Percy Gryce waits impatiently in his coach for Lily to exit the Bellomont house so that he can accompany her to church. She takes her time, and Wharton uses hyperbole to emphasize how long Gryce feels like she’s making him wait:
[...] the coachman seemed to be slowly petrifying on the box, and the groom on the doorstep; and still the lady did not come.
By stating that the coachman and the groom seem to be slowly “petrifying,” the narrator implies that Gryce feels they’ve been waiting so long they’re turning into stone. This exaggerated expression suggests that Gryce thinks Lily’s taking an unreasonable amount of time, even though the narrator later discloses that it hasn’t actually been that long in reality.
As Gryce is so eager and anxious while waiting for Lily, this hyperbole implies that—for him—any amount of time spent waiting would be too long. This is in stark contrast with his later distaste towards her after his opinion is poisoned by Bertha Dorset. His previous enthusiasm makes his rapid abandonment of Lily seem even more abrupt and unpleasant.
This passage also serves to subtly criticize the entitlement and impatience of those in high society. Wharton implies here (and elsewhere in The House of Mirth) that people used to having their desires catered to promptly don't respond well to delayed gratification.
Related Themes:
