Understatement

When you read a poem, look for patterns that match Understatement. Note where it appears (line breaks, stanza positions), how often it repeats, and what emotion or emphasis it creates. Try underlining each instance, then ask: what changes if it’s removed?

A common mistake is confusing Understatement with nearby concepts listed in ‘See also.’ Always check its defining feature: the formal rule or effect that makes it Understatement, not just a similar device.

In essays, define Understatement briefly, cite a short quotation, and explain the *specific* effect on tone, pacing, or imagery. Tie the effect to the poem’s theme rather than describing the device in isolation.

Which line uses Understatement most clearly?

1. A line that deliberately demonstrates the device’s key feature.
2. A line that is superficially similar but lacks the defining feature.
3. A line unrelated to the device.
4. A paraphrase of the poem’s theme.

Tip: pick the line that shows the device’s defining feature.