Use the paragraphs below to answer the question.

Question

“But what has good Parson Hooper got upon his face?” cried the sexton, in astonishment.
All within hearing immediately turned about and beheld the semblance of Mr. Hooper pacing slowly his meditative way toward the meeting-house. With one
accord they started, expressing more wonder than if some strange minister were coming to dust the cushions of Mr. Hooper’s pulpit.
“Are you sure it is our parson?” inquired Goodman Gray of the sexton.
“Of a certainty it is good Mr. Hooper,” replied the sexton. “He was to have exchanged pulpits with Parson Shute of Westbury, but Parson Shute sent to
excuse himself yesterday, being to preach a funeral sermon.”
The cause of so much amazement may appear sufficiently slight.
Which answer choice explains the understatement in these paragraphs?
The narrator’s description of the cause as “sufficiently slight”
is an example of understatement.
The explanation of why the pulpits were not exchanged is an
example of understatement.
The sexton’s description of Mr. Hooper as “good” is an
example of understatement.
Goodman Gray’s question to the sexton is an example of
understatement.

Answer 1

The correct answer choice that explains the understatement in these paragraphs is:

The narrator’s description of the cause as “sufficiently slight” is an example of understatement.

This choice highlights the contrast between the seemingly minor cause of astonishment (Mr. Hooper's appearance with a veil) and the strong reaction it provokes among the townspeople, emphasizing the absurdity of their reaction to what might actually be considered a trivial matter.