What is a play on words that is often humorous but can have a serious purpose?

If the author of the gift of the magi had made the reader aware of the gifts that jim had purchased in the beginning of the story this would be an example of

According to homer's iliad, which greek god was helen of troy's father? a. apollo b. poseidon c. zeus d. hades

Based on what he wrote in the inferno, which statement would dante most likely agree with? a. church leaders should be given leeway for their earthly actions since they are working for god. b. poets should be given a free pass to heaven since their words point others toward god. c. people, no matter their earthly status, should be judged by a fair god. d. churchgoers should be allowed into heaven just for attending church services. 2b2t