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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 6
Explanation and Analysis—Fast Apprenticeship:
In Chapter 6, d'Artagnan duels with Monsieur Bernajoux. Dumas uses hyperbole and verbal irony to describe d'Artagnan's comical hubris as he enters into this duel:
Bernajoux was not a man who needed to have such an invitation repeated twice to him. His sword flashed in the sunlight and he attacked vigorously, hoping that his adversary’s youth would let him be intimidated.
But d’Artagnan had served his apprenticeship the day before. Fresh from his victory and buoyed by his future favor, he was determined not to give an inch of ground.
The idea that d'Artagnan served an entire apprenticeship in one day is both hyperbolic and ironic. D'Artagnan is naive and really seems to believe that he has learned enough in one day to make him fit for this duel. It is probably an exaggeration to say that he thinks he completed a full apprenticeship, but the hyperbole gives the reader a sense of his overconfidence. Meanwhile, by stating that he "had served his apprenticeship the day before," Dumas highlights the opposite to the reader: d'Artagnan is woefully inexperienced. He has no idea, for instance, that Bernajoux is a renowned swordsman.
Funnily enough, this naivety serves him well in some ways. He does not know enough to be intimidated by Bernajoux's tactics, and sheer bravery helps him do remarkably well in the duel. This moment goes to show that d'Artagnan has a real knack for the work the musketeers do. At the same time, he is clearly not ready yet to serve alongside them as an equal. The "honorable" duel he fights with Bernajoux turns into a full-on brawl with the other musketeers he has offended. He is clearly in over his head and needs to adjust to the way class, status, and skill operate in Paris. Eventually, with a real apprenticeship, d'Artagnan promises to be a great musketeer. But as of now, his overconfidence is still getting him into trouble.
Related Themes:
Chapter 48
Explanation and Analysis—Burning Letter:
Dumas often uses hyperbole to emphasize the drama and stakes of a situation. One example is in Chapter 48, when Planchet delivers Lord de Winter's reply to d'Artagnan at the very last minute:
He had a strong impulse to embrace [Planchet] again, as he had done before he left, but he restrained himself because he was afraid that passersby might be taken aback by such a display of affection for his servant in the street.
“I have the reply,” d’Artagnan told his friends.
“Good,” said Athos. “Let’s go back to our quarters and read it.”
The letter was burning d’Artagnan’s hand. He tried to hurry forward, but Athos took him by the arm and made him go on walking at the same pace.
It is an obvious exaggeration to say that the letter is "burning d'Artagnan's hand." The hyperbole amplifies the emotional charge of the moment and underscores d'Artagnan's youthful excitability. D'Artagnan is clearly in a heightened state. He barely restrains himself from "embracing" Planchet even though doing so would look highly inappropriate to onlookers given their class distinction. Athos is much calmer, reasoning that they should look at the letter in private. Whereas d'Artagnan struggles not to charge ahead, Athos helps him maintain his composure in public. The letter is just as meaningful to Athos as it is to d'Artagnan, but their different reactions to it demonstrates just how new and exciting all of this is for d'Artagnan. He feels physically uncomfortable holding his excitement in, and he needs Athos's fatherly guidance so that his youth and inexperience won't get the best of him. For all that d'Artagnan has grown and been promoted over the course of the novel, he is still a "diamond in the rough" who is not ready yet to stand on equal ground with the other musketeers.
Related Themes:
