Peculiarities of Hyperbole in J. Swift’s Works

  

      2.1 Hyperbole classified according to novelty (Y. M. Skrebnev)

     As it has been mentioned in the theoretical Chapter genuine hyperboles are those ones that are exaggerated on a huge scale. Genuine hyperboles posses something illogical, unreal, utterly impossible, absolutely contrary to common sense and even stunning by its suddenness.

     Unlike the genuine hyperboles, the trite hyperboles are used in everyday speech. Almost everyday we use these stylistic devices in order to stress the strong emotions and feelings.  

Genuine hyperbole

The tresses are so lofty that I could make no computation to their attitude. [89]

This original hyperbole is an expressive description of nature. The expressiveness being exposed by the adjective lofty and reinforced by the expression could make no computation. This description proved the ideas and images about the nature of that Ireland emphasis the unlikeness of nature in comparison with other Ireland that were attended by Gulliver.

         There was a universal shout. [35]

This example demonstrates the elation of the great amount of small people. An adjective universal reveals the enormousness of the sound which was produced by the inhabitants of that Ireland. This word suggests some hints for the reader to understand that those people really are small and there was an enormous quantity of them.

    The Statues of Gods and Emperors cut in marble larger than the life. [113]

The expression “larger than the life “denotes the size of the Statues that were placed around the towers.  This amazing example provides the description of the kingdom and its most beautiful places. The hyperbole in the example implies the fact that Gulliver himself was astonished by the towers and temples of the kingdom.

      The utmost terror. [109]

The given example of the hyperbole is an explicit description of the intense emotional state of the main character. The adjective utmost underlines the intensity of the feelings and emotions of that very moment. It renders indications that the Gulliver was in a tight corner and frightened to the death, the created situation was very dangerous for him and it is quite well expressed in the example. 

    My eyes were bigger than my belly. [142]

This genuine hyperbole describes the state of the main character. He was feeling like that because of the incidents happened to him. The hyperbole reveals that Gulliver was suffering fear in that very moment. His facial expression proves hid state very well and gives the reader clear picture of his face and renders the feeling and emotions of the main character.

     I should be a living treasure of knowledge and wisdom. [193]

This unusual example demonstrates Gulliver’s status, which he obtained during the third journey. The main character had a opportunity to talk with people from different times and places. He gained a lot of new knowledge and experience. Due to the experience he became a living treasure of knowledge and wisdom.  Here the word treasure denotes the status and the place of Gulliver in the society.

     It made my flesh creep with a horror that I can not express. [181]

This genuine hyperbole is a good instance which helps the reader to understand the situation. The example is a projection of character’s physical state. The word horror gives the clear idea about his feelings, emotions and worries. Looking at this example in the context, it creates an impression that situation was dangerous for Gulliver and he experienced fear and anxiety.

     About the bigness of a die. [172]

An extraordinary example of the hyperbole in this example contributes to the characteristic of a place.  An example represents one of the places in the academy where different scientists made various experiments. An academy plays an important role for that Ireland and this fact is proved by the context also it shows the significant role of the science. The bigness of a die associates with the endless place and denotes the size of the surface. This hyperbole emphasizes the peculiarities of the Floating Ireland and specific interests of the native inhabitants.

     Gentlemen represent the wisdom of whole nation. [125]

Here gentlemen stands for the members of the assembly called the House of Commons. The given example contributes to the description to the politics and members of the parliament. The hyperbole the wisdom of whole nation signifies that the members are responsible for the whole nation and their activity is very important for the society. The gentlemen are an outward image of the whole society and play significant role in the development of the country.

     Passionately disputing every inch of a party opinion. [156]

Another vivid stylistic device taken from the second part of the book gives the indirect characteristic of the giant people. An author depicts implicit image distinctive interest. The reader can easily get the idea that the inhabitants are really very curious and inquisitive. Disputing every inch proves their qualitative features and is supported by the adverb passionately. An example presumes the explicit image of the society.

 

   Trite hyperbole

     There was a woman with a cancer in her breast, swelled to a monstrous size. [111] 

This expressive example was selected from the second part of the book A Voyage to Brobdingnag. This stylistic device creates an image of inhabitants especially of women. From the context we can clearly understand that hyperbole characterizes the specific traits of that women especially problematic skin and reveals the comparison with inhabitants from Gulliver’s country.

     She held me so high in the air, that I trembled every limb. [93]

The given example of hyperbole is a projection of the intensive emotional state of the character. The intensity of the emotion was underlined by the verb trembled and supported by the noun limb; the pronoun every exposes the highest stage of the emotion – fear. This hyperbole emphasizes the astonishment and the confusion suffered by the main character.

     The company laughs so heartily that I was almost deafened with the noise. [93]

The given hyperbole is an indication of utmost sound, size, power and might of those giants. The expression I was almost deafened proves that the inhabitants are really immense and possess power in comparison with the main character. This stylistic device serves as indirect description and helps to create real projections of the inhabitants of the Ireland.

     The Queen became so fond of my company that she could not dine without me. [106]

The hyperbole “she could not dine without me” demonstrates the Queen’s habit to dine together with the Gulliver. This instance might evoke an impression that Gulliver was playing a role of significant attribute to the Queen. Looking in the context we can see that the main character had even certain place and special set of dishes and plates.

     But this princess, who hath an infinite deal of wit and humour, set me gently on feet upon the scrutore. [103]

This hyperbole might be considered one of the most vivid instances of description. The noun wit emphasizes the qualitative features of the princess and it is supported by the noun humour and the adjective infinite underlined the intensity of the qualities. These nouns give colorful description of the princess and make an attempt to demonstrate us the royal family of the kingdom.

     I was so tired with my first journey, and with entertaining company for eight hours together, that I could hardly stand upon my legs or speak a word. [100]

This example of hyperbole is quite typical for everyday life which expresses the state of the tiredness of the main character. The expression “I could hardly stand upon my legs or speak a word” stresses that he was working very hard during the day.

     She apprehended some mischief would happen to me from rude vulgar folk, who might squeeze me to death. [98]

This original example “who might squeeze me to death” provides indirect characteristic of the giant people of the Ireland. It’s an attempt to give some hints about the size and strength of the inhabitants. The depiction gives the possibility to create an image of the civilization. That is exact the connotation employed in this example.

  

2.2 Hyperboles classified according to the part of speech:

Adjectival hyperbole

 

     The prodigious pots and kettles. [113]

The given example involves us into the world of giant people. To be more specific, it demonstrates the kitchen-grate. The adjective prodigious indicates the size of the objects. Gulliver was extremely astonished by the size of the huge items. Also these objects once again prove that the inhabitants of the Ireland are really giant. 

     Swelled to a monstrous size. [111]

The above-mentioned example introduces a hyperbole that relates to the person. This instance provides a description of giant people and peculiarities of their appearance. Here author touches the theme of problematic skin of these people. Context give a wide image of the native inhabitants. This very example is concerned with the problems of skin which is specific for them; it proves the fact that the inhabitants were ugly and had problematic skin. 

     The utmost respect. [102]

This example gives indirect characteristics of Gulliver. The example is taken from the second journey and describes his attitude towards the Queen of the kingdom. The adjective utmost shows Gulliver’s estimation towards the Queen and also that Gulliver respects the rules, traditions, customs, social norms of the kingdom. As well example characterizes Gulliver as a well-educated and well-mannered man with respect towards other people.

     Enormous crime. [140] 

Extraordinary example of hyperbole suggests the possible variants of Gulliver being in the wooden box, when he was found by the sailors. The captain thinks him to be a dangerous criminal and that is why he was taken in a prison into the box. The author describes the situation when Gulliver escaped from the giant people and lost his way. But the sailors rescued him and supplied with everything he needed.

     I was infinitely delighted. [250]

This adjectival example is a illustration of Gulliver’s emotional state. The adjective delighted shows that emotions experienced by the main character are positive and pleasant. He likes the situation and company. His positive emotions and feelings are fastening by the word infinitely. This instance is taken from the last voyage which brought him plenty of positive emotions and valuable experience. This example creates a nice atmosphere and reader undergoes nice feelings.

     In great uneasiness. [33]

This splendid hyperbole in the example is another instrument which originate a small situation. By this instance author conveys the physical state of the main character, situation is depicted from the first voyage to Lilliput. The huge abound of small people made Gulliver fell in great uneasiness, because they tied him to the ground from all sides. The adjective great portrays the confusion and excitement of the situation. The incident was horrible and hazardous for Gulliver and the reader can clearly visualize the picture.

     The most excellent mathematicians. [ 36]

The hyperbole introduces the characteristic of Lilliputians. The example the most excellent mathematicians shows the reader scientific development of the Ireland and interests of the people. The example plays a huge role in creation images of the people and perception of their life. Also it produces ironical effect upon the reader, but the context clarifies the situation and renders Gulliver’s admiration. Describing in such a way an author attempts to build in the reader’s mind image of Lilliputians and underlines their specific skills.

     They were the most mortifying sight I ever beheld. [197]

This adjectival hyperbole contributes to the picturing of images of the immortal people; being more specific describing projections of the immortal in age. The mortifying sight suggests the fact the heir appearance was quite horrible, it should be added that after hearing an account about the torments of those people, Gulliver instantly changed the intention be immortal. An example represents the vivid description of the species and creates negative impression.

     Ten or a dozen of these enormous knives and forks were lifted up together, I thought I had never till then beheld so terrible a sight. [106]

A remarkable hyperbole in its expressivity is enormous knives and forks referred to the cutlery, in this example. An adjective enormous implies that this example is taken from the second part of the book and shows the size of the objects. Thus, the context suggests that their Majesty is going to have a dinner. By the example it is seen that the process which is described was very impressive but with negative connotation. I had never till beheld so terrible a sight reveals the negativity of the given situation.

 

Nominal hyperbole

 

     I would rather die a thousand deaths that place a dishonorable part of my body on those precious hairs. [122]

This nominal hyperbole is a projection of Gulliver’s attitude towards the Queen and people of quality. Also the hyperbole is a characteristic of Gulliver himself. It qualifies the main character as an educated, respectful and thankful person. Gulliver understands that he is a stranger in the Ireland and he have to be obedient, listen and respect the people around him. He quite good comprehends the situation and tries to be tolerable to the people who surround him. A thousand deaths is a genuine example which conveys the degree of respect expressed by Gulliver.

     divide a hundred of bodies in the middle.[130]

This simple hyperbole makes references to the act of war. The expression hundreds of bodies provides an image of war. The context suggests the colorful description of weapons of that civilization, and especially the size of the weapons. The example displays that the arms are really enormously huge and can maim plenty of people. Also author provides the reader with the description of struggles and underlines the specific ways of battles.

     The sailors were all In amazement, and asked me a thousand questions. [138]

A thousand questions points out that the sailors were very surprised and they had a desire to know everything that happened to Gulliver, to hear the story in all details. The seamen were all ears and were waiting for the answers, to get the bright pictures of the main character’s adventures  and  breathtaking journeys, but Gulliver did not met their expectations, because he was too tired and was not able to answer the questions.

……differences in opinions have cost a millions of lives. [223]

This example of nominal hyperbole relates to the discussions and interactions between Gulliver and his master. The situation presented is taken from the last voyage. Gulliver makes an attempt to explain to his master the meaning of the word opinion and how this notion can kill a million of people. In order to do it he uses various examples and situations. Such method helps him to clarify the notion of the word which does not exist in their society at all. Gulliver faces different obstacles but he succeeds in spite of all hardships.

     Who daily convinced me of a thousand faults in myself. [233]

The above-mentioned nominal example demonstrates the attitude of inhabitants who are called Houyhnhnms towards Gulliver. Here a thousand faults signify the drawbacks of human being and Gulliver himself. Human being possesses numerous vices and drawbacks in comparison to the inhabitants of the Ireland. It means that Gulliver is like Yahoos but with one slight difference, he can express his thoughts and feelings by the help of speech.

….. Commit a thousand extravagances. [245]

This example stands for behavior of such beings as Yahoos. They are similar to human beings but their way of living and behavior is different. A thousand extravagances prove that their conduct is awful and they may commit diverse dull actions, because their mind is undeveloped and they do not understand the most simple things. Usually they are very rude and aggressive. Context gives a cloudless depiction of these beings and demonstrates the abilities and disadvantages.

 

Adverbial hyperboles

 

     The most horrible spectacle that ever an European eye beheld. [111]

The adverbial hyperbole makes references to the culture and art which is shown in the second book. Author describes the spectacle which Gulliver beheld during the second voyage. The adverb ever reveals that the spectacle was horrible and produced only negative emotions and feelings. It produces an unfavorable impact upon the reader and create a slight image of their culture and way of life. The example sets up a negative opinion about the inhabitants of the Ireland.

     And as to ideas, entities and abstractions, I could never drive the least conception into their heads. [131]

 This amazing example projects a characteristic of the residents of the second Ireland visited by Gulliver. It exposes their mental capacities and distinctive features of their nation. The inhabitants have the strict way of life, unbreakable rules and limits, social norms. Gulliver desired to show another side of life, to extend their knowledge and imagination. But the adverb never shows that his attempt failed. All things mentioned in the example are too difficult for them to comprehend.

    I shall never forget with what unwillingness Glumdaclich concealed me. [135]

The excellent example of the hyperbole serves as indication of the relationships, feelings and affection towards Gulliver. An author shows that people from different countries can feel warm feeling and express devotion to each other; these strong relationships are revealed in the example. The example was selected from the second book. The noun unwillingness illustrates the strong bonds between Gulliver and his friend. The example gives colorful description of the feelings and emotions which were important for both characters.

     I found myself tossed more than ever. [138]

The example mentioned above is an explicit description of the intense emotional state of the main character. The adverb ever underlines the intensity of the feeling and emotions of that very moment. It depicts the dangerous situation and renders that Gulliver was in a quandary. The situation conveys the sadness and negative emotions experienced by Gulliver in that very moment. An example quite well creates an image of situation and makes reader to feel and think about such doleful moments from the life.

     I never knew a soil so unhappy cultivated houses so ill contrived and so ruinous. [166]

This expressive example was taken from the third part of the book. From the context we can obviously comprehend that this stylistic device provides the description of a certain place of an Ireland. An example creates an unpleasant picture of a place and produces a negative opinion. Also example characterizes the residents of the Ireland. It shows the negative features and qualifies them as a careless people. 

     It was the most violent exercise I ever underwent. [123]

Finally there is another explicit hyperbole that refers to perception of some of the elements of Gulliver’s life. Here is presented a situation from the second part of the book. Gulliver is trying to amuse, entertain the royal family. By the example it is seen for the protagonist this process is not pleasant, it causes a lot of troubles and makes Gulliver feel uncomfortable. The main character plays a role of a small toy that implements the indications of their Majesty. The hyperbole the most violent exercise indicates that the protagonist was forced to do it.

     I was an English man, drawn by ill fortune into greatest calamity that ever any creature underwent. [138]

In this example we may see another explicit, perfectly formed hyperbole which touches disastrous moments of protagonist’s life. An author introduces the parallel between Gulliver’s life in the country of the giant people and the moment of his isolation. Ill fortune tossed him alone into the ocean; Gulliver was disappointed and abandoned by the fortune. The adverb ever delivers his deep disappointment and underlines the need in God more that ever. Thus, we may see how an apparently short utterance may create a complex situation.

     His eyes were the most quick and piercing I ever beheld. [183]

The next example might appear quite obvious at the first sight, but it is so. An author visualizes the striking image of Homer and vividly underlines his eyes. Quick and piercing qualifies his as a curious person, who does not want to miss a trifle. An author accounts Gulliver’s adventures in the Floating Ireland when he had a possibility to interact with different ancient people. Homer was one of them, whose eyes produced an unforgettable impression upon Gulliver.

 

2.3 Role of Hyperbole in creating images:

• People

 

     These creatures were of the size of a large mastiff, but infinitely more nimble and fierce. [96]

This amazing example makes up a colorful description of giant people from the second voyage. The stylistic device helps to create an image of that civilization and portrays specific traits of their external appearance especially size. The expression infinitely more nimble and fierce shows the physical abilities, their strength and speed. This example proofs that the human beings of that Ireland are really huge and possess great power.

     But the most hateful sight of all was the lice crawling on their cloths. [111]

This hyperbolic example is a continuation of the previous example. The instance demonstrates the cleanness is not very important for them; they do not pay much attention to it, it is quite normal for the society and describes their standards of life. The lice crawling on their cloths signify that they do not much care about their appearance, cleanness of their cloths, houses. An example exposes absolutely another culture, way of life and social norms.

     But the prince happened to be so curious and inquisitive upon every particulars that it could not consist either with gratitude or good manners to refuse giving him what satisfaction I was able. [129]

An example was selected from the second voyage to Brobdingnag and provides direct specification of prince. The stylistic device might be considered one of the most expressive instances of description. The adjective curious and inquisitive underlines the qualitative traits of the prince and it is supported by the pronoun every which emphasizes the intensity of the qualities. This part of speech passes vivid and bright description of the prince and makes the references to the royal family of the kingdom.

     The minds of these people are so taken up with intense speculation, that they neither can speak, not attend to the discourses of others . [152]

In this given example author provides the reader with specific qualification of the people from the Floating Ireland. Here is shown the fact that inhabitants spend much time in speculation and it takes almost all the time. The adjective intense denotes that the speculations play a huge role in their life. I can say that it is a part of their life. An example also demonstrates that the people are concerned very much in different fields of science. It shows their specific peculiarities and interests.