While he spoke, Emma’s mind was most busy, and, with all the wonderful velocity of thought, had been able – and yet without losing a word – to catch and comprehend the exact truth of the whole; to see that Harriet’s hopes had been entirely groundless, a mistake, a delusion, as complete a delusion as any of her own – that Harriet was nothing; that she was every thing herself.
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 49. Emma’s misperceptions about a love attachment between Mr. Knightley and Harriet are brought to a joyful conclusion, when she learns it is she and not Harriet he loves. Using hyperbolic language, she declares that Harriet is “nothing” and she is “every thing,” emphasizing that she is the one who has Knightley’s heart. The phrase “the wonderful velocity of thought,” has more hyperbole and personification, as Emma’s mind and thoughts acquire the quality of moving with great speed.
