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Difficulty: MediumLiterary Devices and Figurative Language

In a prescribed dramatic text, an elder responds to allegations of embezzlement by stating: "My hands were merely touched by an unfortunate misplacement of community goodwill." Which literary device is expressed in the elder's statement to soften the harsh reality of theft?

  1. EuphemismAnswer
  2. B
    Hyperbole
  3. C
    Litotes
  4. D
    Metonymy

Answer

Euphemism
The correct response identifies euphemism because the speaker uses mild, evasive language ('an unfortunate misplacement of community goodwill') to avoid directly admitting to a grave offense like stealing or embezzling public money.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the literal meaning and context of the excerpt
The character uses the phrase 'unfortunate misplacement of community goodwill' to refer to stolen public funds.
Identifying the underlying real-world action being described reveals the speaker's intent.
2
Identify the relationship between the expression used and the actual meaning
A polite, indirect, and mild phrase replaces a harsh, dishonest term (theft/embezzlement).
A figure of speech that masks an unpleasant truth with mild language is defined as euphemism.

Key Concept

Euphemism in Context
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Topics

Literary Devices and Figurative Language

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