Which literary device refers to extreme exaggeration?

Study for AP English Literature and Composition. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question providing hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Hyperbole is a literary device characterized by extreme exaggeration that emphasizes a point or creates a dramatic effect. It is not meant to be taken literally but is used to convey strong emotions or to illustrate the intensity of a situation. For example, saying "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse" uses hyperbole to stress one's hunger in a vivid and impactful way.

In contrast, the other options represent different literary techniques. Personification gives human traits to non-human entities, adding depth and relatability to objects or concepts. Understatement downplays a situation or feeling, often for ironic or humorous effect, while oxymoron juxtaposes contradictory terms to create a new, insightful meaning. Understanding hyperbole's role in emphasizing points makes clear how it effectively engages readers and enriches literary works.

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