Exaggeration

Definition

Exaggeration refers to the rhetorical device of amplifying or overstating characteristics, traits, or situations to create a more dramatic or comedic effect. In the context of Restoration Comedy, exaggeration is employed to heighten the absurdity of social norms and human behavior, often leading to humor that critiques societal issues. This device serves not only to entertain but also to reveal deeper truths about the characters and their circumstances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Exaggeration in Restoration Comedy often manifests in the portrayal of characters who embody extreme traits or behaviors, such as excessive vanity or greed.
2. This device is used to highlight the ridiculousness of social conventions, allowing audiences to laugh at the absurdities of their own society.
3. Restoration Comedies frequently use exaggerated situations—such as love triangles and mistaken identities—to create tension and humor.
4. Wit and repartee in dialogue are often amplified through exaggeration, making conversations more lively and engaging.
5. The use of exaggeration allows playwrights to critique morality and ethics by showing how characters’ flaws lead to comedic consequences.

Review Questions

• How does exaggeration function as a tool for character development in Restoration Comedy?
  • Exaggeration plays a crucial role in character development by amplifying specific traits to make them more memorable and impactful. Characters may be portrayed with extreme characteristics—like over-the-top jealousy or foolishness—which allows audiences to immediately grasp their motivations and flaws. This method not only enhances humor but also encourages viewers to reflect on the societal norms that shape these exaggerated behaviors.
• In what ways does exaggeration contribute to the thematic exploration of societal norms in Restoration Comedy?
  • Exaggeration serves as a powerful mechanism to explore and critique societal norms by presenting characters in absurd situations that highlight the flaws and contradictions within those norms. By amplifying behaviors or characteristics that are relevant to the time, playwrights draw attention to issues like class disparity, gender roles, and moral hypocrisy. This exaggerated portrayal allows audiences to question accepted values while enjoying the humor derived from the absurdity of it all.
• Evaluate how the use of exaggeration in Restoration Comedy compares to its use in modern comedic forms. What similarities or differences can you identify?
  • The use of exaggeration in Restoration Comedy shares similarities with modern comedic forms like sitcoms and sketch comedy, where characters are often exaggerated versions of real-life individuals. Both rely on heightened traits for comedic effect and social critique. However, while Restoration Comedy often critiques strict social hierarchies through exaggerated characters and situations, modern forms may focus more on personal identity issues or cultural phenomena. The contexts may differ, but both utilize exaggeration effectively to entertain while encouraging audiences to reflect on societal realities.

Related terms

Hyperbole: A figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, institutions, or individuals.

Caricature: A depiction or description that exaggerates certain characteristics of a person or thing for comic or grotesque effect.