Question

45 "Sounds like the 'Arabian Nights'.", said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me." 46 Her husband drew the talisman from his pocket, and all three burst into laughter as the Sergeant-Major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm. In lines 45 and 46, what figurative device does the author use to lighten the mood of the passage? A) alliteration B) characterization C) hyperbole Eliminate D) simile

Answer 1

Hyperbole is the best answer here because Mrs. White is making a point at the ridiculousness of the monkey's paw being able to grant a wish. She could easily say an extra pair of hands, but instead she goes with four knowing it will sound ridiculous.

None of the other choices are good answers because there is no example of them in the excerpt we are asked to read.