Peculiarities of Hyperbole in J. Swift’s Works

     They spend the greatest part of their lives in observing the celestial bodies. [161]

The hyperbole in this instance is a contribution to the above-mentioned characterization of the people. This example reveals the importance of the astronomy. From the context we can clear comprehend that the residents of the Ireland are interested in the astronomy and they made a huge progress in this field. An example shows interests of the people and the most important things for them. They spend the greatest part of their lives proves that this is really important for them.

     They are prodigiously nimble from their infancy. [240]

The above-mentioned example introduces the hyperbole that relates to such creatures as Yahoos and qualifies then as nimble. Usually, the adjective nimble shows the physical abilities, demonstrates great power and savage behavior which is intrinsic for them. Yet the adjective nimble may be ascribed to the mental capacities, but it is not our case. The hyperbole suggests the fact that these creatures are extremely wild and the protagonist a lot of problems while trying

tame them but his attempts failed.

     And if I had lived a thousand years in Hauyhnhnm-land, I should never heard a lie from the meanest servant. [258]

This nominal hyperbole contributes to characterization. The example characterizes the people of an Ireland which was last visited by Gulliver. I should never heard a lie from the meanest servant creates positive image of the society and underlines such qualities as: honesty, devotion, frankness and trust. Also an author draws a parallel between two communities and presupposes the negative characteristic of European society and obviously projects the drawbacks which are specific for them. Yet, in this context is shown the value of human being.

 

Nature

 

     …their shape was very singular, and deformed which a little discomposed me, so that I lay down behind a thicket to observe them better. [205]

This simple example of hyperbole presents the external description of such creatures as Yahoos. First of all we can grasp an idea of their shape. The adjective singular denotes that the shape of their bodies is exceptional but the word deformed provides the negative connotations of their figures. It shows their ugly appearance and creates an utter image of these monstrous beings.

     This animal, who seemed to be three time larger than an ox. [93]

An example helps to originate the image of nature but particularly of animals. The instance sets up the projection of animals from the second voyage. An author gives as an opportunity to make a calculation about the size of these huge animals. The stylistic device pretty good characterizes the creatures and renders the approximate size.

     The stalks were so interwoven that I could not creep through, and the beards of the fallen ears so strong and pointed, that they pierced through my cloths into my flesh. [90]

Another brilliant example of the hyperbole expresses the picture of immense plants. We can clearly see that author suggests this example in order to provide the reader with the futuristic description of the nature. I could not creep through implies that the stalks are very big and main character underwent difficulties. They pierced through my cloths into my flesh points out the specific weight and shape of the plants.

      the most monstrous animals I ever saw. [121]

This rather plain instance gives the description of the monkey who lived in the kingdom. The adjective monstrous exposes the external qualities and make the reader to guess the size of an animal. Looking in the context at this example we can easily get idea that monstrous –means huge, immense. Again reader has the possibility to make up an image by himself about the size of an animal.

     .prodigious birds. [140]

The given example is taken from the second book a voyage to B…………………By the help of this instance the reader could easily originate an image of a bird. The bird plays a significant role in Gulliver’s life. This is a bird by which Gulliver was attacked. Again author make references to the size. A word prodigious tells about big size and gives a slight hint about the appearance of the bird.

 

Criticize the drawbacks of the society

 

     He never tells a truth. [231] 

Gulliver made use of this hyperbole in order to explain to his master a notion of a word- lie. Also it is an excellent stylistic device which criticizes the drawbacks of human beings; exhibits negative sides, features, intentions of mankind. Shows that people from Gulliver’s country are sinful and weak; their wishes and desires are above human problems. At  

least they made use of no other passions but violent desire of wealth, power and titles. It is a short description of society in which used to live.     

     She had a most offensives smell. [239]

Simple example of hyperbole is an explicit description of such creatures as Yahoos. En example demonstrates not the qualitative characteristic, but the external description. To be more specific it is all about the smell. It is one of the many others defects of these creatures. But this particular feature regards to the female Yahoos. The adjective offensive proves that the smell is quite disgusting and unbearable.

     The Yahoos appear to be the most unteachable of all creatures. [240]

Another example of hyperbole which as well as possible criticizes brutes from the last book of J. Swift. I consider Yahoos to be slaves, because they are extremely strong and that is why the native inhabitants make use of their extreme capacities; they force them to carry out the most difficult work and keep them locked. These creatures are very wild and can not be trained. An example presents their drawback, in such a way author shows their mental disability and inability to develop and progress for the better.

     The Yahoos were the most filthy, noisome and deformed animals which nature ever produced. [245]

This example is a contribution to a prior characteristic of Yahoos. An author highlights strange appearance and savage behavior of these untamed beings. Their disgusting conduct is displayed by the adjective noisome and stands as an evidence of their wild behavior. Idea of their appearance is supported by the word filthy and developed by the adjective deformed. These words provide their outward shortenings and create a vivid picture of these naughty creatures.

 

Expressing feelings and emotions

     Negative

     My horror and astonishment are not to be described. [210]

This example reveals the feelings that were experienced by the protagonist when he made a comparison between Yahoos and himself. The noun horror demonstrates that the similarities were obvious. Gulliver experienced horror because understood that he is a representative of such disgraceful beings as Yahoos. The word astonishment underlines and intensifies his feelings and emotions. Also gives the reader an opportunity to undergo or at least to imagine the feelings Gulliver had suffered. 

     A great fright .[215]    

This marvelous example is taken from the last part of the book a voyage to the country of the Houyhnhnms. A great fright was experiences by the servant which was fastened to Gulliver in order to help and instruct him. The servant was frightened to death because he saw Gulliver without cloths and it was very strange to see him. He thought that happened something irretrievable to Gulliver that is why his appearance has changed and Gulliver looked absolutely different.

     I was struck with the utmost grief and despair at my master discourse.[252]

By the help of this extraordinary example an author tries to deliver Gulliver feelings and demonstrate his emotional state. Gulliver suffered grief and despair because he heard the master’s opinion about such rational creature as he. The utmost grief and despair shows that opinion of his master was negative, disapproving and deeply unpleasant. The adjective utmost highlights the degree of negativity. Also it characterizes the master as an honest and fair being and does not hide his attitude toward Gulliver.

     It struck me with utmost shame, confusion and horror. [261]

This example creates an atmosphere and situation of Gulliver’s returning back to home. An author renders Gulliver’s feelings such as shame, confusion and horror. The protagonist experienced shame because his wife attempted to kiss and embrace him but Gulliver’s reaction was repulsive because he became estrange from the family. Also he was confused his feelings were mixed he did not know what to do. After returning Gulliver considered all the human beings to be Yahoos and that is why he felt disgust even to his own family. The noun horror underlines the odious feelings and deprecative attitude towards all the human beings. Gulliver attitude shows that the people are sinful, culpable and possess different drawbacks.

     I was struck with the utmost fear and astonishment. [89]

The instance mention above is selected from the second part of the book. The hyperbole in the given example delivers the main character’s emotion state and feelings experienced by hi

The example shows the protagonist’s state when he first time faced the giant people. It is quite evident that he suffered fear. He felt fear because they really were enormous and could hurt him or even kill him just because they could not notice his presence. The noun astonishment once again underlines that the inhabitants were unusual, unnaturally huge and extremely different from everything that Gulliver saw before.

     I was in a terrible fright. [115]  

This simple instance also represents the negative feelings and emotions which are experienced not by Gulliver. An author describes the feelings suffered by the one of the giant people. The context gives an opportunity and helps the reader to understand the situation better. The giant felt a terrible fright because he was trying to transfer Gulliver from one place to another and what is why he was afraid not to squeeze him to death. The native inhabitant took care of Gulliver’s life and the given example emphasizes his worries. Also it shows that the people from that remote country valued Gulliver and expressed respectful attitude towards him, because he is a representative of another civilization and culture.

      I found myself so listless and desponding, that I had not the heart to rise. [149]

This exceptional example of hyperbole once again exposes Gulliver’s emotional and physical state. Looking at the context we can understand much better the reason of his state and why the feelings are negative. The adjective listless shows that the main character is hopeless to find the home and is afraid of isolated places. The adjective desponding proves that the protagonist lost the faith that he could ever reach the home and feel self-protected. An author provides an excellent description of Gulliver’s state and allows the reader to fumble every change in his mood and disposition.

     He was exited by the extremity of the grief and torture. [195]    

The above-mentioned example of the hyperbole is taken from the third part of the book. An author provides the reader with some description of Floating Ireland and it native residents. By this genuine example an author assays to render the conditions of life of immortal people whom Gulliver met at the Floating Ireland. They endured grief because they can not get rid of life, life became a torment for them, they saw how a lot of people die every year and eliminate of grief, sorrow, life torments and many other severe trials. The noun extremity conveys that immortality is like a punishment for them. Torture highlights the impossibility of eternal life.

 

Positive feelings

 

     I thought was the most splendid sight that could ever beheld. [113]

This simple example is an illustration of a small situation in which the main character suffers pleasant feelings. An author proved a situation where the protagonist witnesses a huge amount of horses. Gulliver thought it the most splendid sight. I found this example positive because the main character’s impressions are quite good. The example represents indirect description of Gulliver’s feelings. The adjective splendid shows the positive side of the situation. Also it signifies that Gulliver loves horses and is very close to nature. This example plays two roles: shows the positive emotions and sets the characteristic of the protagonist.

     I was so amazed and out of breath, that I could not speak a word. [115] 

Another bright and expressive example of hyperbole gives the description of Gulliver’s emotional condition. The expression so amazed and out of breath   proves that the feelings and emotions are positive, pleasant. The protagonist endured something knew and unknown. The context gives a situation from the second book where the giant person tries to transfer Gulliver from one place to another and not to maim him; his movements were very soft and gentle, Gulliver felt in secure. The main character was so amazed by experienced feelings that could not speak a word.    

     I freely own myself to have been struck with inexpressive delight upon hearing this account    .[191]

The given example of hyperbole projects the main character’s impressions and emotions. Gulliver felt inexpressive delight when he heard the account about immortal people. He showed the interest in these people and even wanted to take one of this species to his country. The protagonist thought that the immortality gives a lot of possibilities: to gain a lot of knowledge in various fields and to witness the historical and social changes but then he was ensured that it is not so colorful as it seems from the first sight. Inexpressive delight demonstrates the high emotional state and colorful impressions. The power of the strong feelings is expressed by the adjective inexpressive.  

     I was in the utmost astonishment. [33]

The main role of this example is to transfer Gulliver’s sensations and reaction. An author shows the main character’s position when he first time faced Lilliputians. The real motivation is revealed only if the greater context is known; the reader gets the chance to comprehend the situation in details and feel the changes in feelings and emotions. The adjective utmost emphasizes the degree of astonishment and shows that Gulliver was confused and lost in the created situation. It is good expressed in the example and helps to understand his position in that very moment. d such things that were unacceptable for their country.

2.4 Hyperboles classified according to structure

One word hyperbole

 

    Utmost brevity. [176]

The trite hyperbole utmost brevity. Here hyperbole is expressed by the adjective utmost and depicts the character’s qualitative traits. If reconstructed, this image consists of the following elements: adjective utmost –points out the measurement of the qualities, brevity- suggests the quality itself. The example reinforces the image of the giant, and once again exhibits only positive features, without mentioning or even hinting at negative traits. The author casts only good light.

    Extremely fruitful. [180]

This example extremely fruitful employed for the qualification of an Ireland that appears in the second part of the book. It contributes to the picturing of the Ireland; the adverb extremely delivers the conditions of life and climatic zone. A useful addition to the image is also the presence of beautiful estates and palaces that are built on the Ireland. Thus, the reader can quite easy construct the projection of that place; we can see how obviously the example built an image in the reader’s mind.

    We lay in the utmost distress for water. [88]

Another adjectival instance of hyperbole makes references to the physical state of the whole crew. Adjective utmost creates a disastrous situation in which the protagonist and the crew were involved. Yet, in this context the hyperbole aims at tracing of the development of the created situation. The main character and all members of the crew were lost at sea and felt acute need of water. This example presents one of the crucial moments in the novel and defines the following development of the events. 

     A loadstone of a prodigious size. [159]

Next simple example of hyperbole implies the characteristic of the gigantic magnet upon which the fate of the Ireland depends in great degree. An example provokes different associations; on the one hand but on the another hand it builds an image of enormous plate that flies. The hyperbole in the example suggests the fact that this loadstone plays an important role for the inhabitants and for the whole Ireland. The hyperbole adds vividness and expressivity to the image.

     The monstrous objects I had left. [138]

The hyperbole monstrous objects refer here to the second voyage and make an attempt to present the size of objects that Gulliver beheld. The context suggests the broader comprehension of the situation that clarifies the main character’s position. The objects mentioned in the novel are evidences for Gulliver’s accounts to the sailors about his adventures and life among gigantic people. The adventures that settled in Gulliver’s mind would never leave the protagonist’s memory.

     Nothing but an extreme love of truth could hinder me from concealing this part of my story. [129]

The above-mentioned example might be considered as one of the brightest examples because it stands for a qualification of an author himself. The given example presents a qualitative description and suggests that the author possess such features as: honesty, justice, openness. It makes the reader believe that his accounts are real and gives plausible tingle to the novel. An extreme love of truth helps to understand the real motives and goals of the author; makes us trust him and not hesitate in the context.

Phrasal hyperbole

 

    Who was the master a never inquire. [260]

This quite simple hyperbole illustrates one again the vision of a certain character. Thus, contributing to his characterization. The hyperbole has two targets. On the one hand it represents the qualification of the minor character on the other hand renders Gulliver’s admiration of his professional skills. The character whose name is Don Pedro is a merchantman who is described by the word master. The noun master implies the following connotation: highly skilled, competent and experienced man.

     When he had crept to the proper distance from the throne, he was not able to speak a word. [189]

Here is another example of hyperbole that refers to the specific way or even it seems to be like a tradition of one of the Ireland. An author suggests a description of a process how usually King takes an audience; the context allows receiving the general rules of the process. He was not able to speak a word because he mouth was almost filled with dust. It is interesting to mention that this hyperbole is already so well-known and widely used in speech that it frequently appears in different literary works. This very example produces mixed effect upon the reader because it has double connotation: negative and positive.

     They are despised and hated by all sorts of people. [197]

Another unusual hyperbole is encountered in the example above. This phrasal hyperbole is selected from the second part of the book; it renders the negative attitude towards immortal people. Penetrating into the context we can see their position in the society. The verbs despised and hated shows that they were outcasts of the community. Thus, the immortal people were forbidden to marry in order not to breed another generation of these species. It produces unpleasant effect upon the reader, shows people’s egoistic nature and selfishness. Every vital being has a right to live despite his appearance, age or social rang.

     Squeeze the brute to death. [219]

The number of hyperboles depicting qualitative description of the main and minor characters in this novel is considerable; the example above proves this fact. Analysis of the given example is based on the indirect characterization one of the minor figures of the novel. Squeeze the brute to death denotes the physical capacities of the character, especially underling the strength. This example also has another aim; it shows the method that is used in order to appease the brutes. This is another colorful description of the figures.

     Seemed to spend our whole lives in vain. [234]

Another implicit image is created in this example. The given example presents complex hyperbole that illustrates the attitude of Gulliver’s master to European society. Thus, it is quite obvious that the example possess two different goals: first- points the negative attitude towards European community; second- creates an implicit image of the master. Whole lives in vain has the following connotation: everything that Europeans do is useless, and it not deserve much attention. The hyperbole contributes to the development of the image of the society and emphasis the opinion of other people.

     They told me that I was a great traveler, and had seen all the world. [196]

Another example once again touches the concept of attitude, opinion. The opinion is quite successfully underlined by the expression a great traveler. Moreover, it becomes somehow more cloudless at the context. Thus, we see a positive opinion about Gulliver himself produced by the inhabitants. It gives the reader an opportunity to invent its own opinion about Gulliver and underline specific features.

     I thought I never heard or saw anything so unnatural. [257]

In this example, the utterance I never heard or saw anything so unnatural represents Gulliver’s attitude towards European people after long being in Houyhnhnm-land. The protagonist spent several years among those pure creatures, who are representatives of spiritual and mental purity and humanity. Here we can make a comparison that refers to the concept of attitude. Also we can trace the evolution of the main character and especially spiritual. The reader can clearly understand that this example evokes only negative emotions and makes us think about the drawbacks of the human being.

     Delivered himself in these words, which I shall never forget. [128]

The given hyperbole makes a reference to the indirect description of a King. This example was selected from the second part of the book and conveys a short conversation between Gulliver and the King of the giant kingdom. The context allows the reader to go deeper into details and examine the themes and ideas discussed. The example shows that Gulliver experienced unforgettable emotions and produced strong impression upon him. I shall never forget highlights the intensity of the strong feelings endured by Gulliver. In the other words, it renders the emotional state of the protagonist.

     I wanted to be among people with whom I could converse upon even terms, walk about the streets and fields without fear of being trod to death. [135]