Question

Question
In “The Walrus and the Carpenter,” the lines below are an example of overstatement (hyperbole):

“If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year,
Do you suppose,” the Walrus said,
“That they could get it clear?”

What is the purpose of this overstatement in the poem?

(1 point)
Responses

To emphasize how small and insignificant the dirt is.
To emphasize how small and insignificant the dirt is.

To show how serious the cleaning job really is.
To show how serious the cleaning job really is.

To exaggerate for a humorous effect, showing the impossible task of cleaning the beach.
To exaggerate for a humorous effect, showing the impossible task of cleaning the beach.

To suggest that the maids are lazy and would take a long time to clean.
To suggest that the maids are lazy and would take a long time to clean.

Answer 1

To exaggerate for a humorous effect, showing the impossible task of cleaning the beach.

Explanation: The hyperbole makes the cleaning sound absurdly difficult, which creates humor and emphasizes the futility of the task.