In chapter one what is the authors purpose in the use of hyperbole?

Nick is pretty impressed with the surroundings in East Egg. Everything about Gatsby is big and grand. Even the idea of Gatsby is larger than life. Fitzgerald uses hyperbole to demonstrate the awesome enigma that is Gatsby through the character of Nick. 

"It was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again" (chapter 1).