Hyperbole as a Strategy of Creating Effects: A Comparative Analysis of Hamlet and Doctor Faustus

Abstract

This study deals with a comparative analysis of hyperbolic expressions in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus," aiming to discern and elucidate the effects of hyperbole within these literary masterpieces. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative research approach grounded in primary source data from the original texts, the study ensures analytical integrity. Framing theory, rooted in Erving Goffman's 1974 work, provides the theoretical framework for this research, revealing distinctive variations in the usage, expressions, effects, and meanings of hyperbolic language in both works. "Hamlet" employs hyperbole to evoke existential turmoil, while "Doctor Faustus" uses it to accentuate Faustus's escalating desires and moral decline. This research enriches hyperbole theory, fostering scientific thinking, and practically broadens readers' comprehension of hyperbole's emotional, motivational, tragic, grief-inducing and exciting dimensions. In both literary masterpieces, hyperbole emerges as a strategic tool for amplifying emotional impact, highlighting its enduring relevance in literature and its resonance with readers on multiple levels. This comparative analysis illuminates how hyperbolic expressions effectively shape narratives, enhancing our appreciation of these classic works and their enduring literary significance.