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Definition of Hyperbole
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements are usually quite obvious exaggerations intended to emphasize a point... read full definition
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements are usually quite obvious exaggerations... read full definition
Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker exaggerates for the sake of emphasis. Hyperbolic statements... read full definition
Chapter 34
Explanation and Analysis—Bleeding Heart:
Near the end of the book, late in Chapter 34, Elizabeth fires Aibileen, supposedly for stealing silver. Mae Mobley, who is sick with fever, does not understand why Aibileen, her only mother figure, has to leave. Aibileen describes her tearful goodbye with Mae Mobley using hyperbolic figurative language:
“Why? Why don’t you want to see me anymore? Are you going to take care of another little girl?” [...] Law, I feel like my heart’s gone bleed to death.
I take her face in my hands, feeling the scary heat coming off her cheeks. “No, baby, that’s not the reason. I don’t want a leave you, but…” How do I put this? I can’t tell her I’m fired, I don’t want her to blame her mama and make it worse between em. “It’s time for me to retire. You my last little girl [...]."
Aibileen's reaction to Mae's sadness is full of powerful pathos: "I feel like my heart's gone bleed to death." Aibileen and Mae's relationship formed the first few sentences of the book, and now the moving pain of their separation forms the final few sentences. Aibileen's hyperbolic statement about her heart bleeding "to death" recalls Christian imagery, particularly of the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted with her heart pierced by seven swords. The bleeding heart is often a symbol of great sadness, as it is for Aibileen here.
The entire scene is also very physical, making use of tactile imagery. Aibileen feels her pain as a physical wound in her heart. She then feels Mae's face, with its "scary heat" from her fever. Their final interaction takes place in this pose, Aibileen holding Mae's face. This interaction frames their relationship as something innate to them, something held in their body.
Related Themes:
