What effect does hyperbole achieve in writing?

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally. Its primary effect in writing is to create humor or emphasis. When a writer uses hyperbole, they amplify a particular aspect of a situation, character, or event to highlight its importance, absurdity, or emotional weight, which can evoke laughter or draw attention to a specific point.

For example, saying "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is a hyperbolic way of expressing extreme hunger. This exaggeration not only makes the statement more memorable but also adds a humorous element to it. Writers often use hyperbole to enhance the emotional impact of their narrative or to engage readers in a playful manner, making their writing more lively and relatable. Thus, the effect of hyperbole aligns closely with providing both humor and emphasis to the intended message.