"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?
(1 point)
Elizabeth's use of the word "scandal" to describe the minister's actions is an example of understatement.
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 description of the minister's role in the congregation as a "holy office" is an example of understatement.
1 answer
The correct answer is: Elizabeth's use of the word "whispers" to describe the congregation's assumptions about the black veil is an example of understatement.
In the context of the paragraph, "whispers" implies a more subtle and less impactful form of communication than the serious implications that the congregation's gossip and assumptions could have about the minister's character and the significance of the black veil.
