What does a writer use when they create an extravagant exaggeration for effect?

A writer employs hyperbole when they create extravagant exaggerations for effect. Hyperbole is a literary device that involves intentionally overstating something to emphasize a point or evoke strong feelings. It is not meant to be taken literally but rather serves to highlight the intensity of a situation, emotion, or characteristic. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is an exaggerated way of expressing extreme hunger.

In contrast, irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality, which serves a different purpose in writing and does not focus primarily on exaggeration. A metaphor creates a direct comparison between two unlike things to illustrate a concept, while alliteration features the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words for rhythmic or stylistic effect. None of these other choices effectively capture the essence of a deliberate exaggeration intended to create impact, making hyperbole the appropriate choice for this question.