poetic device: Hyperbole

Hyperbole means extreme and obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. To say “her smile is as bright as the sun” or “this test is taking forever” are examples of hyperbole.

Hyperbole is different than ordinary exaggeration, where you might say “the fish was three feet long” when it was really only two feet long, or “I spent all day doing homework” when you really spent just an hour or two.

In these poems, usually the story itself is hyperbolic, although some may include just a single instance of hyperbole. See if you can find the hyperbole in each of these poems.

Willie’s Wart

When Otto Got a Hot Dog

It’sFunToLeaveTheSpacesOut

Brandon Branson’s Backpack

New Computer

Peter Prim the Fire-Eater

Belinda Brooks