Here's why:
* Understatement intentionally downplays the significance of something, often to ironic effect. This can make the obvious point even more impactful because it draws attention to the fact that it's being deliberately minimized.
For example:
* "The weather's a bit chilly today." (When it's actually freezing)
* "It's a bit of a shame the house burned down." (When it was a devastating loss)
By using understatement, the author can highlight the obviousness of the situation and make a stronger statement.
Other techniques that might be used, but are less likely to directly highlight the obvious, include:
* Repetition: Repeating a point multiple times can emphasize its obviousness.
* Rhetorical questions: Questions that are designed to be answered with an obvious "yes" or "no" can draw attention to a truth that's being ignored.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or want to explore other literary techniques!