Bathos
A sudden, often comic descent from elevated, solemn, or dignified expression to something trivial, commonplace, or ridiculous. Bathos can be unintentional (revealing poor craftsmanship) or deliberate (creating comic or ironic effect).
Real World
In Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Lady Bracknell's interview of Jack builds dramatic gravity about his parentage before deflating it with 'A handbag?!' — deliberate bathos that satirises Victorian class obsession.
Exam Focus
Distinguish intentional bathos (comic/ironic purpose) from unintentional bathos (poor writing) — this shows evaluative skill for AO2.
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