What literary device is characterized by exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally?

The correct answer is hyperbole, which is a literary device that involves exaggerated statements or claims that are not intended to be taken literally. This technique is often used for emphasis or to create a dramatic effect, allowing writers to convey strong emotions or emphasize the significance of something. For instance, saying "I've told you a million times" exaggerates the frequency of communication to highlight frustration or impatience.

While alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words for stylistic effect, and personification attributes human characteristics to non-human entities, neither of these conveys the meaning inherent to hyperbole. Irony, on the other hand, deals with expressions that convey a meaning opposite to the literal interpretation, which is distinctly different from the intention behind hyperbole. Therefore, hyperbole stands out as the specific device intended in the question.