* Mythology: The book leans heavily on Greek mythology, where fantastical creatures and events are already inherently exaggerated. So, a giant cyclops or a monstrous bull is not hyperbole within the context of the story, but rather part of the established world.
* Humorous Exaggeration: The book often uses exaggeration for comedic effect, which blurs the lines between hyperbole and simply being funny. For example, Percy describing his hunger or his struggles with his powers.
* Dramatic Tension: The use of exaggeration can build tension and excitement. For instance, describing the danger of a certain monster or the urgency of a situation.
Examples of what *could* be considered hyperbole:
* "The smell of salt water was so strong, I thought I was going to drown." While the smell might be strong, the statement is clearly exaggerated for effect.
* "My heart was beating so fast, I thought it would burst out of my chest." This is a classic example of figurative language used to convey intense emotions.
Conclusion:
"The Sea of Monsters" does not shy away from dramatic language and exaggeration, but it's hard to label specific instances as hyperbole because the book's fantastical setting and storytelling style lend themselves to larger-than-life descriptions.