More than once I have heard, and even used, such a term as hyperbole.
Hyperbole in the literature is used, as a rule, in order to designate a stylistic device of a special exaggeration of the properties of the described phenomenon or object, thereby enhancing the impression made.
In this article, I invite my readers to go to fascinating world mother tongue. After reviewing the information provided here, you can get answers to the following questions:
- What does the concept of hyperbole in literature include?
- For what purpose is it used?
- Do we often, without noticing it ourselves, use this
I decided to divide the article into three parts: first, to tell in more detail about the etymology of the word itself, then we will talk about the history and reasons for the emergence of the concept itself, and, finally, you will learn about the role of hyperbole in modern style.
Part 1. Etymology and modern definition of the word
So, first of all, let's delve into the history. From an etymological point of view, the word Greek origin"hyperbole" consists of two parts "hyper" and "bole". The first is translated into Russian as “over”, “through” or “too”, the second can be interpreted as “throw”, “throwing”, “throwing”. Since about the 18th century Latin the word "hyperbole" signified by "exaggeration" appears and begins to be widely used.
There is also an opposite term - litote. And if hyperbole in literature implies "exaggeration", then litotes, on the contrary, are used for deliberate understatement.
For example, phraseologisms “a sea of smells”, “an ocean of love”, “have not seen each other for a hundred years” can act as a hyperbole, “with a thimble”, “at hand” as a litote.
Part 2. Reasons for the emergence of the term
It is probably hard to imagine that the desire to exaggerate both the importance and physical features subject originated in the thinking of man in the days of the primitive communal system. Of course, the judgments of the first people on the planet differed significantly from the train of thought of today's people. In those distant times, there was simply no clear line between fiction and reality. existing concepts. As you know, many centuries ago, hunters animated the world around them, leaders, animals, natural phenomena. They gave them supernatural powers, for example, the incredible size, magic power, excessive dexterity and dodgy mind. Why? This process was simply inevitable, because. was the result of a huge dependence on the forces of nature, a misunderstanding of its laws, an inability to master everything that happens, or the inability to explain to oneself the causes of an event. As a result, there was fear, a feeling of defenselessness, dependence, and as a result - imaginary gratitude, admiration, surprise and exaggeration.
Part 3. Hyperbole. Literature classical and modern
In order to give artistic expressiveness to the work, the authors try to use various metaphors, comparisons, epithets and hyperbole are considered the most common among them. Currently, such as hyperbole is used, based on the interaction of the emotional and logical meanings of the same word.
I will give examples of hyperbole in the literature: “This has already been said a thousand times” (the number is exaggerated), “The enemies are smashed to smithereens” (quality), “He left, and the world ceased to exist for her” (emotions).
Sometimes it is very difficult not to confuse hyperbole with comparison or metaphor, since they also often compare two objects. Remember that hyperbole in literature always means exaggeration. Say, "His feet were as big as skis." At first glance, this example resembles a comparison, but remembering what the actual length of the skis is, you can understand that this is an exaggeration, which means hyperbole.
The author usually resorts to this stylistic device to enhance the impression or sharpen the image. Modern realities also need to use hyperbole in order to enhance the effect of influencing the imagination or attracting attention.
There are a number of words in Russian that, with the same spelling and pronunciation, carry completely different meanings. semantic load. This statement boldly applies to the mathematical-linguistic concept of “hyperbole”, which is present in such unrelated areas as mathematics and literature. Let's consider it in more detail.
What is hyperbole in literature?
The term "hyperbole" in Greek is interpreted as "exaggeration". Modern definition the concept says that hyperbole is a stylistic device of figurative expression, which is based on an exaggeration of a phenomenon, action or object.
- This stylistic figure has become widespread in works of art in order to enhance the impression of the description, incl. folk poetry, ditties.
- The object of exaggeration can be phenomena, events, objects, power, feelings.
- A spectacular form can both idealize an object and carry a derogatory message.
- Hyperbole is a figurative expression, so do not literally take the meaning of the phrase in which it is located.
Do not confuse hyperbole with another allegorical term - metaphor. characteristic feature the first is always the exaggeration.
Example
“His feet were as big as skis.”
At a cursory evaluation of the phrase, it may seem that we are talking about the metaphor, but it's not. After assessing the actual dimensions of the skis, it becomes clear that hyperbole is taking place.
What is hyperbole in mathematics?
The mathematical term "hyperbola" characterizes the set of points in the plane, the absolute value of the difference in distances from which to the foci is a constant value. These points form a curve related to the number of canonical sections. The concept of "hyperbola" was first introduced by the mathematician Ancient Greece Apollonius of Perga in the 200s BC
Moving to the Cartesian coordinate system, we take an arbitrary point of the curve - m. L (x, y) and define the foci of the hyperbola through m. A 1 (-c,0), etc. A 2(c,0). Then the definition of a hyperbola can be represented as an expression ∣ |A 1 L| – |A 2 l|∣ = 2a , where a is the real semiaxis of the hyperbola. In this case, condition 2a is obligatory.< 2c.
- Translating the record of this expression into the coordinate form and getting rid of irrationality, we get √ (x + c )² + y ² −√ (x − c )² + y ² = ± 2 a ⇒ k the anonic expression of such a figure as a hyperbola represents the equation x 2 / a 2 - y 2 / b 2 = 1, where the lines a and b are the lengths of the real and imaginary semiaxes.
- If a = b, you have an equilateral hyperbola.
- A characteristic feature of a hyperbola is the presence of two identical (symmetrical) curves.
- The tangents towards which the hyperbola rushes, but never reaches them, are called asymptotes.
- The optical property of a hyperbola is that a ray fired from one focus continues its movement as if it had come from another focus.
Hyperbole, along with colloquial speech, is also used in literature. Litota in literature is an artistic technique that is used both in poetry and in works of art of the most different authors. Hyperbole in literature has its opposite - litotes. Litota can also be used as a "weapon" against hyperbole and gigantism. For example, the offer of Bread in the house - not a crumb!
When used in colloquial speech hyperbole, the speaker is trying to pay attention to some event or object. And exaggerating so much that in reality it turns out to be beyond the bounds of the possible.
With this trick artistic expressiveness we meet in ancient times, in the works of oral folk art. This is hyperbole in its own right. pure form. Everything that happens in our epics and fairy tales often takes on a hyperbolic appearance. A horse with a hero gallops "below a walking cloud, above a standing forest."
Litota in Russian
In simple terms, this is a beautiful expression, a turn of phrase, which at the same time softens words that have a “negative” color. With the help of litotes, you can express in a mild form your disagreement with the interlocutor.
Litota is especially often used in poetry. Litota is also often found in works of art. Basically, the litote is used by the author in an ironic context. Litota in Yesenin's poetry is rare. Increasingly, the poet uses luxurious metaphors. These litots in Yesenin's poems show the tragedy of the whole situation. Litota in psychology is the underestimation, downplaying or devaluation of the positive.
There is another feature of the use of litotes in an English literary text. If the litote in English language used in colloquial speech, it conveys restraint, good breeding, and sometimes the irony of a person.
Hyperbole is a significant exaggeration of something for the sake of giving greater significance to any object or action. Imagine if there were no such stylistic figure as hyperbole, all the works of Russian writers and poets would lose their superiority and magnificence.
Litota in literature: the meaning of the word and examples of its use
For four years we have been preparing an escape, we have saved three tons of grubs ... ”- V. Vysotsky. Hyperbole is an exaggeration for the sake of special, artistic purposes. The poet resorts to it when it is necessary to produce especially strong impression on the listener or reader. The people seem to admire their strength, and everything in their imagination grows to enormous proportions. Even in our everyday speech today, we often resort to this way of expression.
Hyperbole: what is it?
Yes! If all the tears, blood and sweat, Shed for everything that is stored here, From the depths of the earth all suddenly came out, That would be another flood - I would choke in my cellars of the faithful. Litota is an understatement of some object or phenomenon. The simplest litotes appear in the media. They represent the use of diminutive epithets.
Moreover, it can be both “mockery”, “sarcasm”, and “pity”, “tenderness”. The litote is also used to significantly soften some harsh expression. So, for example, the American ambassador, reacting to the fact that the House of the Trade Unions was burned down in Odessa, said the following words: "The rebels show their discontent."
Creation of diminutive forms of words. For example, "pokemon", "kolobok", etc. Shifting the negation into the modal part of the sentence. So the litote is a deliberate understatement. It is important to correctly emphasize it. Almost no poet has bypassed this stylistic device. After all, litotes are a means of expression. There are even authors who build their works exclusively on litotes. Examples from the literature are very diverse.
Hyperbole usually takes place in a statement. In order to make the statement bright and expressive, by means of deliberate exaggeration, there is such a concept in the Russian language as hyperbole. Many variants of litots have already become idioms and phraseological units. It is in the Russian language today such expressions as “at hand”, “the sky is like a sheepskin”, “the cat cried”, etc. You should not think that figurative expressions are an invention of the classics of the 16-17th century. Both hyperbole and other stylistic devices have been known since ancient times.
Literary tropes are artistic devices, a word or an expression used by the author to enhance the expressiveness of the text and enhance the figurativeness of the language.
Tropes include , comparison , epithet , hyperbole, . This article will focus on hyperbole and its antonym - litote.
Wikipedia says that hyperbole is a word from the Greek language and means exaggeration. The first part of the word "hyper" is in many words with the meaning of exaggeration, excess: hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperthyroidism, hyperfunction.
Hyperbole in literature is artistic exaggeration. In addition, the concept of a hyperbola exists in geometry, and there it denotes the locus of points.
This article will deal with hyperbole from a literary point of view. Its definition, how long it has been known, by whom and where it is used. It is found everywhere in literary works, V oratorical speeches, in everyday conversations.
Hyperbole in fiction
She has been known since ancient times. In ancient Russian epics, exaggeration is often found when describing heroes-heroes and their exploits:
Hyperbole often occurs in fairy tales and folk songs: “that is mine, my heart is groaning, like autumn forest buzzing.”
The author of the old Russian story About Prince Vsevolod often uses hyperbole, he writes: “You can scatter the Volga with oars, and scoop out the Don with helmets” to show what a large squad he has. Here exaggeration is used for the sublime poetic characterization of the prince.
For the same purpose N. V. Gogol uses hyperbole to poetic description the Dnieper River: "a road without measure in width, without end in length". “A rare bird will fly to the middle of the Dnieper.” “And there is no river. equal to him in the world.“
But more often Gogol uses it in his satirical works with irony and humor, ridiculing and exaggerating the shortcomings of his characters.
Hyperbole in the monologues of the heroes of Gogol's "Inspector":
- Osip - "as if a whole regiment blew the trumpets."
- Khlestakov - “... Thirty-five thousand one couriers”, “as I pass ... just an earthquake, everything is shaking and shaking”, “me myself state council fears".
- Mayor - "I would wipe you all into flour!"
Gogol often uses artistic exaggerations on the pages of his work "Dead Souls".
“Countless, like the sands of the sea, human passions…”
Emotional and loud hyperbole in poetry V. Mayakovsky:
- “In a hundred and forty suns, the sunset was blazing ...”
- ” Shine and no nails! Here is my slogan and the sun”
In verse A. Pushkin , S. Yesenina and many other poets use artistic exaggeration in describing events and scenery.
"No end in sight
Only blue sucks eyes.
S. Yesenin
In colloquial speech, exaggeration is used daily without hesitation. Especially often we resort to it in a state of passion, irritation, so that the interlocutor understands our feelings better.
"I've already called a hundred times, imagined a thousand troubles, almost died of anxiety,"
“I explain it to you twenty times, but you still do it wrong.”
"You're late again, again you've been waiting for an eternity."
Sometimes when declaring love:
“I love you like no one knows how to love, more than anyone in the world.”
Litota and its meaning
Antonym of hyperbole - litotes, artistic understatement . In their colloquial speech, people constantly use both exaggeration and understatement.
You won't have time to blink an eye and life has flown by. When you wait, a second stretches for years. The waist is thin, thinner than a reed.
Hyperbole and litotes, along with other artistic devices, make Russian speech expressive, beautiful and emotional.
Do not miss: artistic technique in literature and Russian.
Zoom in and out in fiction
Writers creating artistic text of their work, can realistically describe life, without resorting to exaggeration or understatement of surrounding objects. But some authors underestimate or exaggerate not only words, but also objects of the surrounding world, creating a fantastic unreal world.
A prime example serves Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The heroine of the fairy tale finds herself in a world where she and all the heroes she meets change their sizes. Authors need such a technique to express their thoughts and views on some problems and suggest ways to eradicate them. You can remember Jonathan Swift's Gulliver in the Land of the Lilliputians.
Writers with a satirical, romantic and heroic orientation in their work often resort to fantasy. It is creative, original, invented by the author, but based on the real social and living conditions of the authors. Writer creates fantastic work, but his situations echo those of real events.
When does it pass social reality, which gave rise to the creation of this fantastic work, the new generation is no longer clear where such fantastic fictions came from.
Hyperbole and litotes make a literary text more expressive, helping to convey emotions more accurately. Without them creative work it would be boring and faceless. Not only the authors, but also ordinary people in everyday conversations they cannot do without them, although they do not know their names, but simply emotionally express their feelings and thoughts.
October 15, 2017
Literature is rich in means of artistic expression that help authors the best way convey your idea to the reader. So, when studying the works of the classics, students look for epithets, comparisons, personifications in them and try to figure out why the writer used this or that technique. To the number artistic means also applies to hyperbole, which we will consider.
Definition
Consider what a hyperbole is, examples of which will be given below. This is a special artistic technique, a deliberate exaggeration that allows the author to achieve the desired effect. The term is very ancient, the technique began to be used in the era of antiquity. used to express hyperbole language tools: words, combinations of words and sentences.
The simplest examples
Hyperbole is widely used in Russian. Examples will show that we often use this technique without even paying attention. For example, the words "I've already told you a thousand times!". In this case, “a thousand times” is an exaggeration, because the author of the statement, firstly, is unlikely to have said anything so many times. Secondly, she did not count the number of her repetitions. Another example of hyperbole in Russian: "We haven't seen each other for a hundred years." Here we are talking about the fact that people have not met for a long period of time, but certainly not a hundred years.
Saying that he has a million problems, a person will emphasize that he now has a black streak in life, and there is no talk of a clear quantitative description of the problems. Similar examples many can be given:
- "There are a hundred reasons why I still strive to get an education."
- “Grandfather has a thousand sores, and he is still working in the garden.”
- “You won’t believe it, you saw such a large man yesterday. Not a man, but an elephant. Here the hyperbola is connected to the comparison element. A person is likened to an elephant in terms of weight.
- "Sit, work, earn a million!". This example clearly sounds ironic. The speaker greatly exaggerates the earning potential of his opponent, mockingly makes fun of him.
- “You say Masha didn’t go to college? Yes, everyone knows this!” The example presents lexical hyperbole, exaggeration is achieved through the phrase "everyone knows". It is clear that this is not so, because residents of another city may not know about Masha's problems, and they are not interested in them.
Often, without paying attention ourselves, we use hyperbole. The examples in Russian given above illustrate this idea. 
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Varieties
There are several types of hyperbole in Russian:
- Lexical. Exaggeration is achieved by using the words "perfectly", "all", "absolutely". For example, a completely useless person, everyone has long known this.
- Metaphorical. This is a memorable comparison. For example, the forest of hands, golden mountains.
- Phraseological. The use of stable word combinations. For example, a goat understands.
- Quantitative. Numerals: A million things to do, a thousand ideas.
All these types of exaggerations can be used by native speakers unconsciously, without being perceived as an artistic and stylistic device.
Modern options
Young people often use hyperbole in speech. There are many examples in Russian:
- “We have already passed this 100,500 times! Is it hard to remember?
- “We still have a wagon and a small cart of time, we will do everything.”
Such statements allow you to make speech more figurative and expressive.
From works of art
Writers often use hyperbole. Examples from the literature are quite varied. So, very often Pushkin turned to this technique: "All the flags will visit us."
Yesenin, when creating the image of Rus', used an exaggeration: "There is no end in sight, only the blue sucks the eyes."
There are hyperbole in Mayakovsky's lyrics:
- “In battle I praise millions, I see millions, I sing millions.”
- The poem "Cloud in Pants" ends very in an interesting way based on the technique of exaggeration: “Hey, you! Sky! Take off your hat! I'm going!" This helps the poet to express the strength and power of the human personality.
- Often the poet exaggerates the size human body, creating a capacious and sharp satirical image: "Two arshins of a faceless pink dough, a head in Kazbek, a stomach in a ditch."
Several interesting examples hyperbole in Russian when exaggeration concerns inanimate objects: to heaven baobabs, sting a kilometer.
Often, for the effect of exaggeration, the poet uses words in figuratively: block, carcass. Or combinations of words that individually do not have this property, but put together create hyperbolization: glasses-bicycles, eyes, two meadows. 
An example of hyperbole from the literature can also be found in the work of other writers: “harem trousers, the width of the Black Sea” (Gogol), “for four years we prepared an escape, we saved three tons of grubs” (Vysotsky).
We examined what hyperbole is, and examples of its use by masters of the word. This technique makes it possible to make the writers' speech figurative and more expressive, to draw the reader's attention to some property or feature of the described object or person. Also, it was deliberate exaggeration that often helped the author express his attitude to what was happening.
