Question

literary devices
algernon. raising his hat. you are my little cousin
cecily, i’m sure.
cecily. you are under some strange mistake. i am not
little. in fact, i believe i am more than usually tall for my
age.
—the importance of being earnest,
oscar wilde
what literary device does wilde use in this passage?
○ pun
○ paradox
○ understatement
○ epigram

Explanation:

A pun is a play on words with multiple meanings or similar sounds. In the passage, Algernon uses "little" as a term of endearment (or a familial reference), while Cecily interprets it literally as referring to her height. This play on the double meaning of "little" fits the definition of a pun. A paradox involves a self - contradictory statement, an understatement is a downplaying of something, and an epigram is a concise, witty statement, none of which fit as well as a pun here.

Answer:

A. pun