Final answer:
Mark Twain utilizes hyperbole to emphasize the authority of his father as a justice of the peace, exaggerating the power his father held to highlight its significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Mark Twain refers to his father as a justice of the peace with the power of life and death over all men, he is using hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis. Twain's statement is not to be taken literally; rather, it is an exaggerated remark to highlight the authority and influence that his father held in his role. This use of hyperbole is consistent with Twain's style, often incorporating vibrant descriptions, sensory details, and exaggerated statements to convey his experiences and the intensity of the moments he describes.