The use of hyperbole in poetry is an underrated aspect of the craft, yet its power should not be underestimated. Hyperbole – defined as the use of overstatement or exaggeration – has the potential to be incredibly effective in literature. From its ability to create atmosphere to its humour and shock value, hyperbole can be used in a vast range of contexts.
Using hyperbole in poetry engages readers more intimately with the text and allows them to be drawn through an intense emotional valve. The author reinforces the feeling of emotions with much power than the literal prose. Many major poets such as William Shakespeare, Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson have used hyperboles for centuries. For example, Emily Dickinson wrote that ‘Hope is the thing with feathers/that perches in the soul/and sings the tune without words/and never stops at all’ – a clear example of exaggeration to inspire hope.
Roger White, a renowned English professor, states that poetry is ‘a powerful way to make difficult realities easier to process and understand’. Hyperbole, when used in poetry, especially helps readers to come to terms with a certain situation or emotion and adds a dynamic to the writing. For instance, by exaggerating a fear of a situation in a poem, the author can effectively show their readers the bleakness of their fears. By tugging at these emotions, readers can be drawn into the narrative and its meaning.
A further example of the power of hyperbole is its ability to create atmosphere and captivate the reader. Exaggeration can help create vivid visual imagery. For example, by writing that ‘the night was so dark that I felt like I would never find my way home’, readers are begged to imagine what it is like to be lost in the dark. Through their imagination, the reader is then pulled emotionally into the poem.
In addition, the use of hyperbole can have comedic effects which help the reader become more engaged. By exaggerating certain aspects of a poem, authors can often form humorous narratives. In Shel Silverstein’s poem ‘My Beard’, he states ‘it grows so fast, I have to work to keep it down’ – a humorous exaggeration to showcase the difficulty of dealing with facial hair.
Hyperbole can also be used to shock or to create a feeling of awe and mystery. Take Shakespeare’s famous phrase ‘the lady doth protest too much’ – an example of extreme exaggeration which showcases the apparent distress of Lady Macbeth’s situation. Similarly, Romantic poet William Wordsworth famously wrote of a ‘host of golden daffodils’, as if the daffodils were an army or force of some kind.
A final use of hyperbole is to add to the rhythm of the poem. Due to its extensive use of exaggeration, hyperbole often has a sing-song quality that makes the poem more inviting to read aloud. This quality often helps to shine a light on certain words which emphasise the poem’s message. For example, the words ‘never’ and ‘always’ often hold greater power when hyperbole is used.
The Effect of Hyperbole on Other Literary Forms
While hyperbole is frequently associated with poetry, it can be used to great effect in many other forms of literature. In novels, for example, hyperbole can be used to create atmosphere and characterisation. This is achieved by exaggerating certain aspects of a scene or dialogue, as to draw the reader closer and immerse them in the text. For example, in J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, he describes the protagonist’s sister, who is a pianist, to have ‘elephantine’ fingers – an image which serves to give more depth to her character.
Hyperbole can also be used effectively in drama to create tension and comedy. It can be used in stage directions, for example, to amplify an actors’ movement or delivery. For instance, ‘She leapt across the stage with joy’ serves to highlight the strength of her emotion and her motion on stage. Similarly, hyperbole in plays can be used to evoke a comedic response from the audience and draw further interest. Through exaggeration, the author can add a more light-hearted feel to the text, engaging their audiences in a way which wouldn’t be possible with literal prose.
Hyperbole can also be used in advertising, to emphasise the superiority of certain products or services over others. A great example of this is the phrase ‘The Best Coffee in the World’, which implies that this certain brand of coffee is the best of its kind. By overstating the fact, the company is drawing focus to the product and adding a dynamic to the advertisement.
Finally, it is important to remember that hyperbole can be used in everyday life. We often hear this kind of language when people are expressing strong emotion or making a point for emphasis. For example, someone might say ‘I was so scared I thought my heart was going to stop’ to imply the severity of their fear. Hyperbole allows us to convey greater meaning and can allow situations to be easier to digest – simple exaggeration can go a long way.
The Challenges of Writing With Hyperbole
However, there are certain risks associated with the use of hyperbole in writing. If an author is too heavy handed with exaggeration, the scene or feeling they are attempting to convey can become muddled and unclear. In addition, readers may not take the text seriously and the overall message or point may not be communicated successfully. As a result, it is important for an author to ensure that they are wielding the power of hyperbole responsibly and in accordance with the mood or atmosphere they are attempting to create.
Moreover, when using hyperbole, there is always the danger of appearing cliché or overdone. It is important for authors to remember that though exaggeration can add emphasis to their point, the use of overused or tired language can detract from its power. As a result, authors should try to make sure they are finding new and inventive ways to employ hyperbole – this can be tricky, yet incredibly rewarding as readers will be sure to become more engaged with the text.
A final risk of using hyperbole is that it may be misconstrued by certain audiences. When it comes to topics surrounding hot button issues or controversial figures, the use of exaggeration to try to convey the seriousness of the situation can backfire. As a result, it is important to remember to be aware of the audience who may be reading the text and to use hyperbole in a way that does not disrespect or hurt any particular parties.
Conclusion
The use of hyperbole in poetry and other forms of literature can be incredibly effective and has a vast range of purposes and benefits. From creating vivid visuals and atmosphere to creating humour and adding an emotional valve, the use of exaggeration can be a powerful tool in the author’s arsenal. That said, hyperbole is not without its risks. Authors must be careful when using hyperbole to ensure that they are effectively communicating their message and care should be taken to ensure it is not misconstrued or taken out of context.
