An Analysis of Hyperbole

学号：1111901128班级：英语1111班An Analysis of Hyperbole1 IntroductionHyperbole, as a kind of crucial figure of speech, is absolutely necessary in English spoken and written language. And it‟s frequently used in expressing one‟s strong fellings and emotions. In order to help us understand and use this rhetorical device better, this paper will make an attempt to analyze it in four aspects, the definition of hyperbole, the categories of hyperbole, the functions of hyperbole and the comparison between hyperbole and metaphor.2 The Definition of HyperboleHyperbole derives from the ancient Greek word “ Hyperbole” (hyper + bole). The prefix “hyper” means more and over. In The Random House College Dictionary, hyperbole is defined as …an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally‟. And the term hyperbole in Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture refers to …A way of describing something in order to make it sound bigger, smaller, better, worse etc. than it really is‟.Generally speaking, hyperbole is one of the most commonly used rhetorical device which deliberately exaggerates truth rather than to state the truth in its objective perspective. For example, when we describe that someone is very thirsty, we can say “ he is dying of thirst” instead the common expression “he is very thirsty”.3 The Categories of HyperboleHyperbole can be classified according to different perspectives and different standards.3.1 Extended Hyperbole, Reduced Hyperbole and Premature HyperboleAccording to the standard of meaning, hyperbole can be divided into three categories: Extended Hyperbole, Reduced Hyperbole and Premature Hyperbole.3.1.1 Extended HyperboleIt is the most familiar category of hyperbole. And we use this category to make the things we describe become bigger, longer, higher, more, better etc. than they really are.E.g. Bob loves running risks, and he once dived from the overhanging cliff of ten thousand feet high into the sea.In this example, Bob‟s brave spirit of adventure finds full expression from the phrase “ten thousand feet”.3.1.2 Reduced HyperboleContrary to Extended Hyperbole, we use this category to make the things we describe become smaller, shorter, less, worse etc. than they really are.E.g. She was not really afraid of the wild beast, but she did not wish to perform an atom more service than she had been paid for.(Saki: Mrs Packletide’s Tiger)In this example, the phrase “an atom” totally shows how reluctant she was and it‟s obvious that she was unwilling to paying for more service.3.1.3 Premature HyperboleAs we all know, there is the specific sequence of events. However, in this situation, we describe the events which have yet not happen on purpose by using this category. And the use of this category is quite infrequent in English.E.g. This drug gives instantaneous relief.The use of Premature Hyperbole in this example is clearly intended to underline the good effect of the drug.3.2 Pure Hyperbole and Fused HyperboleAccording to the component standard, hyperbole can be divided into two categories: Pure Hyperbole and Fused Hyperbole.3.2.1 Pure HyperboleIn this situation, We describe things only with one kind of rhetorical device: hyperbole. In other words, the sentences are formed without any other rhetorical devices.E.g. Splendid cheeses they were, ripe and mellow, and with a two hundred horse-power scent about them that might have been warranted to carry three miles, and knock a man over at two hundred yards.(J.K.Jerome: The Odour of Cheese)In this sentence, the author describes the delicious smell of the cheeses with three ingenious numeral “two hu ndred horse-power”, “three miles”, “two hundred yards”. And there is only the use of hyperbole.3.2.2 Fused HyperboleIn this situation, we describe things with hyperbole as well as other rhetorical devices such as simile and parallelism.E.g. A man with a mouth like a mastiff, a brow like a mountain and eyes like burning Anthracite –that was Dan’l Webster in his prime.(S. V. Beiet: The Devil and Danniel Webster)This example involves both hyperbole and simile. And the use of these rhetorical devices makes the description of Webster (the famousAmerican speaker) become so vivid that it makes the readers feel his devastating speech.3 The Functions of HyperboleThere are many functions of hyperbole. On the one hand, it‟s a good way to intensify the speaker‟s and the author‟s feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, unwillingness and so on by using hyperbole. On the other hand, we describe things with an appropriate statement surpassing the fact on purpose, which can make our descriptions become more attractive and left others a deep impression. In addition, sometimes the use of hyperbole makes the descriptions become more humorous and ironical so that it can enhance the artistic quality, reinforce the theme and the emotional responses.4 The Comparison between Hyperbole and MetaphorHyperbole often used with other rhetorical devices. Take metaphor as an example, there are some similarities and differences between hyperbole and metaphor.4.1 The SimilaritiesHyperbole and metaphor are rhetorical devices in which figurative language is used to express an idea rather than a literal statement or description. In other words, they are similar in which both of themdescribe situations that are literally impossible. Look at the following examples:E.g. Mary is a cold fish. (metaphor)It‟s obvious that Ma ry is not literally a fish, but a supercilious and self-conceited person.E.g. Bob is as old as the hills. (hyperbole)It means that Bob is very old, but it‟s obvious that no human can be literally as old as the hills.And those two rhetorical devices can sometimes co-exist; if you say “Mary is the coldest fish in the whole universe”, obviously that's metaphorical and hyperbolic at the same time.4.2 The DifferencesThere are some specific differences between hyperbole and metaphor. Hyperbole is based on exaggeration. But metaphor is essentially based on comparison and suggestion of similarity. Besides, the function of hyperbole is to enhance the artistic quality, reinforce the theme and the emotional responses. But the function of metaphor is to make the readers have a better understanding on the concept, the objectand the character being described by comparing it to an item which may be more familiar to the readers. So generally speaking, we can make a distinction between them through the features and the functions of them.5 ConclusionIt‟s obvious that hyperbole plays a quite important role in spoken and written English. It is a kind of form which based on the reality but beyond the reality. And it pays more attention to the expression of subjective emotions instead of the record of the objective reality. 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