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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
Letter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Shug's Picture:
In Letter 6, Celie sees Shug Avery's picture for the first time. Her reaction is curious, exaggerated through hyperbole beyond what one might expect:
Shug Avery was a woman. The most beautiful woman I ever saw. She more pretty then my mama. She bout ten thousand times more prettier then me. I see her there in furs. Her face rouge. Her hair like somethin tail.
Related Themes:
Letter 50
Explanation and Analysis—Shug's Pregnancies:
In Letter 50, Shug discusses her pregnancies with Celie, utilizing hyperbole to highlight the dissonance between her own priorities during childbirth and the priorities of those around her:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I had every one of my babies at home, too. Midwife come, preacher come, a bunch of the good ladies from the church. Just when I hurt so much I don’t know my own name, they think a good time to talk bout repent.
Related Themes:
Letter 56
Explanation and Analysis—Harlem Children:
In Letter 56, Nettie writes to Celie, relating her experiences upon first arriving in New York City. Nettie's trip to New York marks the first time she has ever traveled outside of Georgia, where she grew up. She describes her experiences through the lens of hyperbole:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There is a fashion in Harlem now for boys to wear something called knickers—sort of baggy pants, fitted tight just below the knee, and for girls to wear garlands of flowers in their hair. They must be the most beautiful children alive, and Adam and Olivia couldn’t take their eyes off them.
Related Themes:
