What does a hyperbole mean in literary terms?

In literary terms, a hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to create emphasis or a strong effect. It's essentially an overstatement designed to make a point or evoke a specific feeling.

Here's a breakdown:

* Purpose: Hyperbole aims to emphasize, often humorously, a particular quality or situation.

* Effect: It can create vivid imagery, enhance the dramatic impact of a scene, or add humor to a narrative.

* Key Feature: The exaggeration is deliberate and not meant to be taken literally.

Examples:

* "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." (This exaggerates the speaker's hunger.)

* "My backpack weighs a ton." (This exaggerates the weight of the backpack.)

* "I told you a million times!" (This exaggerates the number of times something was said.)

Hyperbole is a common and effective literary device used across various genres, including poetry, prose, and drama.