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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 1
Explanation and Analysis—Scout and Literacy:
The subject of Scout's literacy in the novel is an interesting one: she clearly holds an advantage over her peers, not least due to Atticus's influence. Jem meditates on their differing literacy levels in the following passage from Chapter 1, using hyperbole as a means of comparing Scout to himself and Dill:
“I just thought you’d like to know I can read. You got anything needs readin’ I can do it. . . .”
“How old are you,” asked Jem, “four-and-a-half?”
“Goin’ on seven.”
“Shoot no wonder, then,” said Jem, jerking his thumb at me. “Scout yonder’s been readin’ ever since she was born, and she ain’t even started to school yet. You look right puny for goin’ on seven.”
In this passage, Jem and Dill are discussing Dill's age and literacy. During the conversation, Jem happens to state that Scout has been "readin' ever since she was born." This statement is clearly hyperbolic; after all, freshly newborn babies are in no way instantly literate. The purpose of this statement, rather than to give a true account of Scout's life, is to emphasize just how good she is at reading and how naturally it comes to her.
Related Themes:
Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—Oncoming Anger:
In this passage from Chapter 11, Scout uses both hyperbole and simile to describe an agonizing wait at home, following Jem's decision to destroy Mrs. Dubose's flowers.
Two geological ages later, we heard the soles of Atticus’s shoes scrape the front steps. The screen door slammed, there was a pause—Atticus was at the hat rack in the hall—and we heard him call, “Jem!” His voice was like the winter wind.
Clearly it did not actually take Atticus two "geological ages" to arrive home. This is hyperbole, used to illustrate the feeling of time slowing down to a crawl at the prospect of Atticus arriving home angry.
In a few short lines, Lee manages to accurately communicate one of the core anxieties young children must all deal with: the anticipation of punishment for wrongdoing. This is a natural part of growing up. After all, part of becoming an adult is learning to accept responsibility for one's actions. The importance of this lesson in Atticus's parenting is revealed through the children's behavior in this scene. Both Jem and Scout know that their father will not let them get away with terrorizing Mrs. Dubose, even if she deserves it. Atticus cares about principles and responsibility, and it is clear from the above excerpt that Jem feels guilty for violating those core values.
Related Themes:
