What literary device is used when an author uses ironic understatement, such as saying 'That was not a good place' to describe a monster's lair?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Litotes, or ironic understatement
Litotes is a form of ironic understatement frequently found in Anglo-Saxon literature to emphasize the gravity of a situation. It typically uses negatives to express a strong affirmative or to underscore a grim reality, as in calling a monster's lair 'not a good place.'
Keep practicing
More Anglo-Saxon Poetry questions
- Which Anglo-Saxon poem depicts the historical defeat of Earl Byrhtnoth and his men by Viking raiders in 991?
- Which of the following best describes 'The Wife's Lament'?
- The 'Junius Manuscript' is largely composed of what type of poetry?
- What is the primary function of 'The Exeter Book Riddles'?
- Who is the 'monstrous' mother of Grendel in Beowulf?
- In 'The Wanderer,' the phrase 'wyrd bið ful aræd' is often translated as what?