What does understatement in literature typically aim to achieve?

Understatement in literature is a rhetorical device that involves presenting something as less significant or important than it actually is. This technique can create a contrast between the reality of a situation and how it is portrayed, emphasizing deeper meanings or emotional truths that may be otherwise overlooked. By minimizing the significance of an event, character, or trait, understatement can evoke humor, irony, or poignancy, enriching the reader's experience and understanding of the text.

For instance, a character might describe a disastrous event in a nonchalant way, which can highlight their detachment or the absurdity of the situation. In this way, understatement serves to provoke thought and reflection rather than drawing attention to minor details, exaggerating a point, or creating harmony. It allows the audience to engage more critically with the text and recognize the underlying implications of the lessened expression.