* "I felt a thrill of fear run through me, and a cold shiver creep over my skin." This line from the early chapters, describing Jane's fear of Mr. Brocklehurst, uses exaggeration to emphasize the intensity of her feelings. While Jane might have felt some fear, describing it as a "thrill" and a "shiver" makes it seem far more dramatic and intense than it likely was.
* "I was a burden to no one, I was a source of annoyance to none. I was a solitary, self-contained entity." This statement, made by Jane when she's reflecting on her life at Lowood, is an example of hyperbole in its assertion of absolute independence. Jane, while certainly independent, was not entirely isolated. She had her fellow students and teachers, and even within the harsh environment of Lowood, she found connections.
The use of hyperbole in Jane Eyre serves multiple purposes:
* To emphasize emotion: Hyperbole is used to highlight the intensity of Jane's feelings, particularly her emotions like fear, anger, and joy.
* To create a sense of drama: Hyperbole can make the narrative more engaging and exciting by heightening the stakes and creating a sense of urgency.
* To reveal character: Jane's frequent use of hyperbole reveals her tendency to exaggerate, which can be seen as a way of coping with difficult situations.
In summary, hyperbole is a literary device that Charlotte Brontë utilizes effectively in Jane Eyre to amplify emotions, create a dramatic effect, and offer insights into the character of the protagonist.