Hyperbole_Understatement

Hyperboles and understatements are two literary devices that mean the complete opposite definition of each other, and thus are used at different times. They are similar to similes and metaphors in that they compare things, but are linked to some extreme comparison in one way or the other.

A **hyperbole** is defined as an intentional use of exaggeration used to have a strong influence and lasting impression on the reader. We use hyperboles very frequently in everyday conversations. In fact, we use them //all the time.// See my point? Any time you say that "your homework is //killing// you" or that you're "//freezing//" when it's cold outside, you're implementing hyperboles. They're almost always used in political cartoons. Again, this is to stress the point and leave a lasting impression.

Hyperboles are also used for a comical effect; in this case often ironically paired with the word "literally". "//My dog is so ugly, we literally have to pay the fleas to live on him.//" (Okay, I'm feeling rather uncreative at the moment. Just pretend that's funny.) A passage in the book that uses this device extensively is found on pages 41 and 42. "The country they drove through lay broiling in the sun. It glittered like glass and seemed to stretch out endlessly." The most obvious hyperbole here is the statement that says that "[the country] stretch[ed] out endlessly," since, of course, that's not really possible. The use of the word "broiling" is also an example of a hyperbole, as "broiling" literally means "to cook by direct exposure to heat." As hot as India may be, I have my doubts about the country itself //cooking//.

 In contrast, **understatements** are ways of saying things with lesser importance or focus than should be placed. They are used to draw attention away from a subject. There are two main forms in which understatements are used, **meiosis** and **litotes.**  Understatements, too, are frequently used in comedy because we find irony to be humorous.
 * Meiosis is an understatement used in a euphemistic way. That is to say, making a big, central issue into just a little trouble.
 * "Adolf Hitler had a bit of a misunderstanding with the Jews."
 * Litotes is an understatement used by affirming something by denying its opposite.
 * A: "What do you think of that girl?"
 * B: "Well...she's not //ugly//, but..."

In the novel, there is one exceptional example of meiosis on page 76, where Douglas confronts the Nawab about the issue on Husband's Wedding Day. Douglas knows the extent of the riots that occurred and says matter-of-factly: "We saw your casualty lists." The Nawab, however, downplays the entire situation, saying "...We had a little trouble. It is nothing much...They get hot - they become cool again. It is like the weather in its season...There is nothing to be done." By repeatedly understating the events that took place, the Nawab tries to redirect attention away from them, and eventually changes topics entirely and turns to Harry.

A reoccurring example of litotes is the narrator's reaction to Chid. On page 63, she describes having him with her as being "not very restful" for her. This would imply not much discomfort or trouble. However, she continues by saying that he goes through her private possessions, ruffling through her journal, and taking advantage of her and the living area. Clearly, to say his company is "not very restful" is a big understatement.