Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figure of speech where the truth is exaggerated for emphasis or humorous effect.

Tip: Remember, “I’m more hyper than a puppy!”

Shakespeare’s Example: Juliet says that her “bounty is as boundless as the sea” (Act 2, Scene 2). In other words, she says what she has to offer Romeo is wider than the ocean!

Ms. Popp’s Example: I must have graded a million papers last night! (I graded a lot of papers, but I definitely did not grade a million. By exaggerating how many papers I graded, I am letting the reader know what it felt like to grade last night.)

More Examples

He was as big as an elephant

Her smile was a mile wide

He runs faster than the speed of light

• Your Example

• Your Partner’s Example

MONTAGUES

Romeo: DavidBenvolio: RobertServant: Chester

CAPULETS

Capulet: VaughnLady Capulet: Shari

Nurse: GenesisJuliet: Lidia

Servingman: Kathy

OTHERParis: Gavin

MONTAGUES

Romeo: O’NeilBenvolio: Vo’JaunServant: Aaliyah

CAPULETS

Capulet: BruceLady Capulet: Taylor

Nurse: JanaeJuliet: Toni

Servingman: Derek

OTHERParis: Tremone

MONTAGUES

Romeo: GregBenvolio: Zach

Servant: Tan

CAPULETS

Capulet: LionelLady Capulet: Dejanique

Nurse: AngelaJuliet: Gregrionne

Servingman: Tatiana

OTHERParis: Rashaad

I-Q-E! The Art of Excellent Quote Explications

I – Introduce your quote with a claim. NOTE: Claims are OPINIONS. Claims need PROOF. Claims are controversial!

CORRECT: Romeo falls in love much too quickly.

INCORRECT: Romeo is a boy. Romeo is in love.

Q – State your quote INSIDE a sentence.

CORRECT: After only a few hours, Romeo asks Juliet for “true promises of love.”

INCORRECT: “I would be satisfied if we made each other true promises of love.”

E – Explain your quote in your own words. Also, explain why it is important. INCORRECT: So, Romeo asked too quickly. CORRECT: This means that Romeo wants to get married. This marriage seems so rushed that it probably will not turn out for the best.

PRACTICE IQE

I: Romeo gives his life up to destiny in order to be with Juliet.

PRACTICE IQE

I: Romeo gives his life up to destiny in order to be with Juliet.

Q: Romeo says that if he can marry Juliet, then “love-destroying death can do whatever it pleases.”

E: This explains that Romeo pledges that once he has married Juliet, nothing else matters to him, and he doesn’t care if his fate leads him to his death.

PRACTICE IQE

I: JULIET SHOULD BE MARRIED TO PARIS OR JULIET SHOULD NOT BE MARRIED TO PARIS