Jay heard that Ellen has a great sense of humor. Upon meeting her for the first time, Jay encourages Ellen to share jokes she ha
s heard and to tell him about comedy films she has seen. Although Ellen does not see herself as especially funny, she obliges Jay, and he concludes that what he had heard about Ellen is true. What phenomenon is most closely reflected in exchange between Jay and Ellen?
Twain uses irony and sarcasm to characterize the king and duke in such a way that communicates his belief that pretending to be something you are not (for the sake of appearances) is both ridiculous and embarrassing.