Literary Technique – Understatement

Understatements are Classic Ways to Share Startling Information

Nov 20, 2009
Teresa Knudsen

An Interesting Day, Bush remarks about 9/11 - Wikimedia Commons

Whenever a writer wants to convey a sense of coolness in the midst of turmoil, the understatement is a popular way to minimize an impact.

An understatement is a common way to make light of difficulty, or to minimize excess. The technique can show humor, bravery, indifference, or an inappropriate response to a tragic situation.

Example of Understatement in Literature

In Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis, one of the characters, Agnes Gooch is a young but seemingly unattractive spinster who is selected by her rich, stylish employer, Mame, to serve as substitute at a society New Year's Eve party while Mame is recovering from a cold.

Mame's nephew, Patrick knows that Agnes cannot handle liquor, but Mame does not. With Agnes being nervous, Mame suggests that she has a drink. Though both Patrick and Agnes protest, Mame insists, saying, "Just pretend it's medicine, Agnes. It will relax you."

Patrick thinks, "Although Auntie Mame was rarely guilty of understatement, she'd really pulled off a classic."

Understatement in Film

In J.R.R. Tolkien's book, The Two Towers, as filmed by Peter Jackson, Frodo and his companion Sam are trying to climb a rope down a treacherous cliff. Due to the fog, they can't see the ground. Frodo slips and falls, but luckily only a short way. Despite his fear of being almost killed, Frodo simply says, "I think I've found the bottom." Thus, Frodo understates, or makes less, of an obviously difficult experience.

Understatement is Typically British

Overstatement is considered an American technique, with America being a vast country, with vast resources. Understatement, however, is typically British, coming from the smaller islands, that nevertheless influenced world history.

The dry wit of an understatement seems to appeal to the reserved character that the British are known for. For example, in the middle of a heavy rainstorm, one might say, "It's a little damp."

General Understatements and "No Problem."

Often people like to understate situations in their lives. After eating a big meal, people might say, "That was a little nourishment."

Or after babysitting with a difficult child, when asked if the experience was hard, the babysitter might reply, "No problem."

Understatement in American Politics

On September 11, 2001, the World Trade towers in New York City were destroyed in flaming infernos. Thousands of Americans lost their lives, having to choose between being burnt alive or jumping to their deaths. When asked about his feelings on September 11, George Bush replied, "It was an interesting day." Thus, he understates the death and horror with the word "interesting."

Any understatement will lessen, minimize, or belittle a person, place, thing, idea, or event.

References

Dennis, Patrick. Auntie Mame. New York: Popular Library, 1955, 1956.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Film

Wood, Alex, and Paul Thompson. "It was an Interesting Day," History Commons.“It was an interesting day.”—President Bush, recalling 9/11 [White House, 1/5/02]