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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
Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—Women as a Heavenly Gift:
At the start of Mr. Ryder’s speech at the ball, he uses a hyperbole to describe women, as seen in the following passage:
There was a pensive look in Mr. Ryder’s eyes as he took the floor and adjusted his eyeglasses. He began by speaking of woman as the gift of Heaven to man, and after some general observations on the relations of the sexes he said: “But perhaps the quality which most distinguishes woman is her fidelity and devotion to those she loves. History is full of examples, but has recorded none more striking than one which only to-day came under my notice.”
When Mr. Ryder states that women are “the gift of Heaven to man,” he is being hyperbolic. He does not believe this to literally be true, but is using exaggerated language in order to communicate his respect for women. As he goes on to explain in more direct terms, he respects women for their “fidelity and devotion” to the people they love.
This hyperbole is notable as Mr. Ryder is indirectly referring to Eliza Jane’s devotion to him when he uses these words. Her visit has clearly had a profound effect on him—while, just hours before, he was planning to propose to Molly Dixon in his speech, he is instead using his time to praise women’s loyalty to those they love. That Eliza Jane has been searching for him for over two decades has touched him deeply and, as becomes clear by the end of the story, he will honor her and her devotion to him by being loyal in return, and publicly acknowledging her as “the wife of his youth.”
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