Final answer:
Cecil's statement "he wants to kill me" is likely a hyperbole, an exaggerated remark, meant to emphasize his emotional state or the severity of the situation unless context suggests an actual threat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement made by Cecil, "it is no longer a case of practical jokes, he wants to kill me," would likely be considered a hyperbole, unless there is literal evidence within the context to suggest a genuine threat to life. A hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.
It is used to create a strong impression or to emphasize a point. In literature, characters often use hyperbole to convey their emotional state, stress the importance of something, or to be dramatic. If Cecil is exaggerating for effect and there is no actual intent to harm him, then the statement is hyperbolic. However, without knowing the broader context in the story, such as the relationship between the characters and past events, it is difficult to definitively categorize the statement.