Peculiarities of Hyperbole in J. Swift’s Works

By this simple example an author expresses the protagonist’s desire which suggests that he wishes to be in secure; not to feel fear while walking about streets and fields. The constant fear is shown here that is suffered by the main character and the strong desire to get rid of this horrible feeling, because every moment can be last for him because of his small size. Once again the hyperbole creates an image of gigantic people and underlines their monstrous size. This example makes a beneficial and useful addition to the image of the giant people.

 

Hyperboles expressed by the sentence

 

     Whose feet press down to the center, and whose head strikes against the sun. [49]

Finally there is another brilliant example of hyperbole which provides a colorful description of the gigantic people and one of the most important things is the enormous size that produced indelible impression upon Gulliver. Feet press down to the center…..and head strikes against the sun provides irrefutable evidence relevant to the size. This example might be considered the brightest example that contributes to the development of the projects, concisely it creates vivid and clear image.

     The inhabitants looked upon me as the greatest prodigy that ever appeared in the world. [90]

The utterance from the example the greatest prodigy that ever appeared in the world demonstrates the excitement and amazement of the inhabitants. The example is taken from the first part of the book and suggests the fact that Gulliver looked very strange, his size and appearance were absolutely different the inhabitants of the Ireland never saw such enormous creatures before. This example helps the reader to trace a difference between Gulliver and native inhabitants.

     I never beheld in all my travels so disagreeable an animal. [205]

There is no doubt, that this example is complex and this idea is proved by the fact that the instance is expressed by the sentence. This very example produces negative emotions and reveals the contempt towards such creatures as Yahoos. This stylistic device illustrates that their appearance is quite sloppy and ugly, manners are horrible. The protagonist experienced a great fright when he met them first time. The hyperbole stands for a characterization of creatures and originates the unpleasant effect upon the reader.

   My master said, he could never discover the reason of this unnatural appetite. [236]

Another sufficient example of the hyperbole is expressed in this sentence. Again hyperbole contributes to the image of Yahoos, but this time it shows their appetite which is underlined by the adjective unnatural. The short expression unnatural appetite makes reference these creatures eat too much. Another utterance he could never discover the reason reveals that will remain a mystery, why they it so much?

     He sifted me thoroughly upon every part of this head proposing numberless enquiries and objections. [126]

This quite complex example creates a small situation which is taken from the second part of the book. Here is described an important discussion that occurred between Gulliver and his Majesty. Judging by the example, we can easily come to conclusion that main characters discussed completely different themes referred to Europe, especially the law, rights, court and many other themes. The objections of Majesty show that they discussed such things that were unacceptable for him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5 Quantitative Analysis of Hyperboles in Gulliver’s Travels

 

The corpus linguistics collected for the research consists of 150 examples; the main purpose of this paragraph is to present the quantitative analysis of the distribution of the hyperboles in the novel written by J. Swift “Gulliver’s Travels” and throughout the sample of selected examples. The essence of the quantitative analysis is to study language varieties in term of frequency counts of linguistic items in the novel; therefore the crucial goal of the research in this paragraph will be to calculate the percentages for the spread of hyperboles of various types. While making   qualitative analysis we noticed that the given novel possesses different kinds of classification such as: classification according to the novelty criteria, according to the part of speech, according to the structure and the last one the most significant is the role of hyperbole in creating images and expressing feelngs.

According to the novelty criteria the general number of hyperboles have been divided into: trite hyperboles-91- 60,6%  and genuine- hyperboles- 59- 39,3%.

 

Judging by the numbers, it is obvious that trite hyperboles are more numerous than the genuine ones. The reason why trite hyperbole exceeds the genuine is that almost all trite hyperboles occurred in dialogues and discussions; in other words hyperboles were used in everyday life; as it usually happens. This fact suggests the idea that the perception of the trite hyperbole is deeply rooted in people’s minds and explains the reason of their frequent usage. The calculations reveal that hyperbole is a stylistic device that is used in everyday life.

 

According to the part of speech classification the overall numbers of hyperboles are divided as follows: nominal hyperbole-20, adjectival hyperbole- 78 and adverbial hyperbole-52.

 

 

 

 

As we can see from the examples the number of adjectival hyperbole, almost always overtop the number of the nominal and adverbial ones. This fact proves once again that hyperbole exaggerates the qualitative features of object or person. Thought, comparing the frequency of appearance of nominal hyperboles, it can easily be seen that they are much less numerous than the other two types. The main reason might be shown by the fact that the nominal and adverbial hyperboles are much easier created and easier perceived by the reader

The biggest number of hyperbole from this classification belongs to adjectival one which represents the most vivid examples throughout the novel and helps the reader to improve the imagination and create a clear picture of the objects.

 

Viewing examples according to structure criterion, the overall number of the hyperboles is distributed throughout the novel in the following way: one word hyperbole- 47; phrasal hyperbole- 59; sentence hyperbole- 22.

 

 

 

It is clearly seen from the persentages that the quantity of examples that consist of one word illustrates the biggest number of the overall amount of the example. The calculations prove the fact , also this fact can be explained in the following way one word hyperbole is sorter  and more comprehensible than the other two types. Meantime, whenever the phrasal hyperbole is employed the images created by the examples are more vivid and sophisticated. However, it should be too complicated for the author to imply too many compound hyperboles, because it will overflow the style of literary work; reader will face different troubles while reading the novel and will tend to fail to understand the parts which are too complicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 Appendix

 

 

Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Alliteration – the repletion of the same sounds- usually initial consonants of words or stressed syllables in any sequence of neighboring words.

Antonomasia-a figure of speech that replaces a proper name with an epithet, official address or other indirect description.

Chiasmus-the placing in inverse order of the segments formed by two syntactically identical groups of words.

Epithet –a word or a phrase that functions as part of someone’s name, such as “Ivan the Terrible” or “Richard the Lion-Heart”, or that describes a noun.

Epigrams- a witty phrase or short poem. In ancient Greece the term referred to an anticipation on a monument. It assumed a literary status when the Roman poet called his short, satirical poems epigrams.

Hyperbole –exaggeration for sake of emphasis in a figure of speech not meant literary. Hyperbolic expressions are common in the inflated style of dramatic speech known as “bombast”.

Irony- a form of expression involving disparity between expectation and reality. Irony is often divided into three categories: verbal, situational and structural.

Metaphor- an important trope in which a word or phrase is used in an unfamiliar context. It creates non-literal meaning by making surprising connection between two ideas.

Onomatopoeia- a figure involving the use of words that echo their meaning in their sound. It also describes words that resemble other sensations.

Polysemy- the presence of multiple meaning. It is more technical term for ambiguity.

Periphrasis-the use of several words instead of a more direct alternative. It can be a form of understatement or can skirt around a delicate subject.

Rhyme- is a basic form of repetition, which offers a wide variety of opinions of lending structure and emphasis to poetic utterances. It is ultimately related to the rhythm, but they have slight differences.

Rhythm- is a general music or beat-like quality found in verse; meter is a systematic arrangement of syllables. To put it another way: when reading a poem, rhythm may make you tap out the beat, meter may make you start counting.

Style- is any specific way of using language, which is characteristic of an author, school, period, or *GENRE. Particular styles may be defined by their *DICTION, *SYNTAX, *IMAGERY, *RHYTHM, and use of *FIGURES, or by any other linguistic feature.

Stylistics- is a branch of modern linguistics devoted to the detailed analysis of literary *STYLE, or of the linguistic choices made by speakers and writers in non-literary contexts.

 

 

    

  

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corpus Linguistics

Trite Hyperboles

 

1. I was in the utmost astonishment. [33]
2. in the most submissive manner[34]
3. I was struck with the utmost fear and astonishment [89]
4. the most excellent mathematicians [36]
5. the company laugh so heartily that I was almost deafened with the noise[93]
6. inhabitants looked upon me as the greatest prodigy that ever appeared in the world[90]
7. about twice the bigness of our heads [45]
8. in great uneasiness [33]
9. the dog was a mastiff, equal in bulk to four elephants[94]
10. We lay in the utmost distress for water[88]

11. She covered me with a clean white handkerchief, but larger and coarser than the mainsail of a man of war [95]

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

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

14. I was terribly shaken and discomposed in this journey[99]
15. I was so tired with my first journey, that I could hardly stand upon my legs, or speak a word[100]
16. The I had since led, was laborious enough to kill an animal of ten times my strength[103]
17. But the princess, who hath an infinite deal of wit and humour, set me gently on my feet[103]
18. This  man was a most ingenious artist I ever meet[105]
19. The Queen became so fond of my company, that she could not dine without me[106]
20. in the most courtly manner[107]
21. I cannot but conclude that out geographers of Europe are in a great error[110]
22. The most horrible spectacle that ever an European eye beheld[111]
23. a monstrous size[111]
24. extremely obliged[113]
25. the prodigious pots and kettles[113]
26. I thought was the most splendid sight that could ever beheld[113]
27. I was in a terrible fright[115]
28. I was so amazed and out of breath, that I could not speak a word[115]
29. Monstrous animal[121]
30. but the noise was so great, that I could hardly distinguish the tunes[123]
31. it was the most violent exercise I ever underwent[123]
32. delivered himself in these words, which I shall never forget[128]
33. nothing but an extreme love of truth could have hindered me from concealing this part of my story[129]
34. the prince happened to be so curious upon every part, that it could not consist either with gratitude to refuse giving him what satisfaction I was able[129]
35. drive a ball of iron or lead with such violence and speed, as nothing was able to sustain its force[130]
36. The King was struck with horror at  the description I had given him[130]
37. walk about the streets and fields without fear of being trod to  death[135]
38. I shall never forget with what unwillingness Glumdaclitch concealed[135]
39. borne with prodigious speed[136]
40. with such incredible swiftness that I almost lost my breath[136]
41. I found myself tossed more than ever[138]
42. calling for help till I was almost hoarse[138]
43. the sailors were all in amazement, and asked me a thousand questions[138]
44. the monstrous objects I had left[138]
45. I came to be set adrift in that monstrous wooden chest[139]
46. prodigious bird[140]
47. I found myself so listless and desponding, that I had not the heart to rise[149]
48. Laputa, whereof I could never learn the true etymology[154]
49. have great faith in judicial astrology[156]
50. I think it the most delicious spot of ground in the world[157]
51. a loadstone of a prodigious size[159]
52. The  King would be the most absolute prince in the universe[161]
53. they are pelted from above with great stones, against which they have no defense [161]
54. utmost necessity[162]
55. great immunities[163]
56. he was universally reckoned the most ignorant and stupid person among them[164]
57. we came into a most beautiful country[166]
58. There was a most ingenious architect who had contrived a new method of building houses[170]
59. an universal language[174]
60. an utmost brevity[176]
61. Because men are never so serious, thoughtful, and intent, as when they are at stool, which he found by frequent experiment[178]
62. extremely fruitful[180]
63. prodigious estates[186]
64. a great traveler[188]
65. when he had crept to the proper distance from the throne, he was not able to speak a word[189]
66. I would carefully record every action and event of consequence that happened in the public[193]
67. the universal medicine[194]
68. great inventions brought to the utmost perfection[194]
69. entirely lose their memories[196]
70. I was a great traveler, and  had seen all the world[196]
71. prodigious agility[205]
72. I  never beheld in all my travels so disagreeable an animal[205]
73. My horror and astonishment are not to be described[210]
74. a great fright[215]
75. squeeze the brute to death[219]
76. that he never tells a truth[231]
77. who daily convinced me of a thousand faults in myself[233]
78. he could never discover the reason of this unnatural appetite[236]
79. undistinguished appetite[236]
80. she had a most offensive  smell[239]
81. They are prodigiously nimble  from their infancy[240]
82. the Yahoos appear to be the most unteachable of all animals[240]
83. the Yahoos were the most filthy, noisome, and deformed animals which nature ever produced[245]
84. this is the utmost progress of their astronomy[247]
85. I was struck with the utmost grief and despair at my master discourse[252]
86. Indeed the sight was so nauseous, that it perfectly turned my stomach[112]
87. it struck me with utmost shame, confusion and horror[261]
88. I have carefully avoided every fault with which common writers of travels are often too justly charged[163]
89. I shall lawfully called, that no European did ever visit these countries before me[265]
90. it never came once into my thoughts[265]
91. I thought I never heard or saw anything so unnatural[257]

 

Genuine

92. the noise was so high in the air, that at first I certainly thought it was thunder[89]
93. she held me so high the air, that I trembled every limb[93]
94. this animal who seemed to be three times larger that an ox[93]
95. there was an universal shout [35]
96. the utmost Terror [109]
97. Delight and Terror of the Universe [47]
98. Whose feet press down to the center, and whose head strikes against the sun[49]
99. the tress are so lofty that I could make no computation to their attitude [89]
100. 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]
101. I roared so loud that the urchin was frightened [94]
102. the utmost respect[102]
103. 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]
104. the production of plants and animals of so extraordinary a bulk[110]
105. But the most hateful sight of all was the lice crawling on their clothes[111]
106. The statues of Gods and Emperors cut in marble larger that the life[113]
107. A most ponderous metal[45]
108. My own being so much broken in the teeth, that it was almost useless[122]
109. I would rather die a thousands deaths that place a dishonorable part of my body on those precious hair[122]
110. Gentlemen represent the wisdom of whole nation[125]
111. These two bodies make up the most august assembly in Europe[125]
112. He sifted me thoroughly upon every part of this head, proposing numberless enquiries and objections[126]
113. whether it ever went so high to affect their fortunes[128]

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

115. divide hundreds of bodies in the middle[130]

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

117. how universally this talent was spread, of drawing lectures in morality[133]
118. I think I should rather died than undergone the disgrace of leaving a posterity to be kept in cages[134]
119. my fall was stopped by a terrible squash, that sounded louder to my ears that the cataract of Niagara[136]
120. I was an English man, drawn by ill fortune into the greatest calamity that ever any creature underwent[138]
121. enormous crime[140]
122. in a most obliging manner[141]
123. my eyes were bigger than my belly[142]
124. the minds of these people are so taken up with intense speculations, that they neither can speak, nor attend to the discourses of others[152]
125. passionately disputing every inch of a party opinion[156]
126. They spend the greatest part of their lives in observing the celestial bodies[161]
127. makes a universal destruction  both of houses and men[162]
128. This incident broke entirely the King’s measures[164]
129. I rendered myself extremely contemptible[164]
130. I never knew a soil so unhappily cultivated, houses so ill contrived and so ruinous[166]
131. a vast number of flies most beautifully colored[171]
132.   an universal artist[171]
133. the most ignorant person at a reasonable charge[172]
134. about the bigness of a die[172]
135. fell the pulses of every senator[176]
136. it made my flesh creep with a horror that I cannot express[181]
137. his eyes were the most quick and piercing I ever beheld[183]
138. I should be a living treasure of knowledge and wisdom[193]
139. he was incited by the extremity of grief or torture[195]
140. they were the most mortifying sight I ever beheld[197]
141. those immortals would in time become proprietors of whole nation[197]
142. a most acute judgment[218]
143. difference in opinions have cost many millions of lives[223]
144. the wonder and envy of the whole world[231]
145. it seemed to spend our whole lives in vain[234]
146. commit a thousand  extravagances[245]
147. in a short time grew so numerous as to over-run and infest the whole nation[245]
148. I was infinitely delighted[250]
149. And if I had lived a thousand years in Houyhnhnm-land, I should never heard a lie from the meanest servant[258]
150. Who was the master I never inquire[260]