Astatement that expresses the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. often used for humorous or sarcastic effect.

Read this excerpt from welty's "a visit of charity": "i'm a campfire i have to pay a visit to some oldlady," she told the nurse at the desk. this was a woman ina white uniform who looked as if she were cold; she hadclose-cut hair which stood up on the very top of her headexactly like a sea wave. marian, the little girl, did not tell herthat this visit would give her a minimum of only threepoints in her score."acquainted with any of our residents? " asked the nurse. she lifted one eyebrow and spoke like a man. which narrative technique does welty use to slow the pace of the story in thispassage? oa. limited descriptionsob. a gloomy settingoc. short sentencesod. complex sentences