Use the paragraph from "The Minister's Black Veil" below to answer the question.

Question

“But what if the world will not believe that it is the type of an innocent sorrow?” urged Elizabeth. “Beloved and respected as you are, there may be whispers
that you hide your face under the consciousness of secret sin. For the sake of your holy office do away this scandal.”
How is understatement used in this paragraph?
Elizabeth’s description of the black veil as an “innocent
sorrow” is an example of understatement.
Elizabeth’s use of the word “whispers” to describe the
congregation’s assumptions about the black veil is an
example of understatement.
Elizabeth’s use of the word “scandal” to describe the
minister’s actions is an example of understatement.
Elizabeth’s description of the minister’s role in the
congregation as a “holy office” is an example of
understatement.

Answer 1

In the paragraph, understatement is illustrated through Elizabeth’s use of the word “whispers” to describe the congregation’s assumptions about the black veil. This choice of word minimizes the potential severity of the gossip and suspicion surrounding the minister, suggesting that the implications of the black veil might be more significant than merely “whispers.” Therefore, the correct response is:

Elizabeth’s use of the word “whispers” to describe the congregation’s assumptions about the black veil is an example of understatement.