The excerpt has an example of what literary device?

“However, I altered my traps; and not to trouble you with particulars, going one morning to see my traps, I found in one of them a large old he-goat…”
—Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
I think it is paradox
Understatement

Paradox

Ambiguity

Overstatement

http://www.answers.com/paradox

http://www.answers.com/understatement

http://www.answers.com/ambiguity

http://www.answers.com/overstatement

Double-check the meanings of all the words, and let us know what you decide.

The excerpt from Robinson Crusoe contains an example of the literary device of understatement. Understatement is when a writer or speaker intentionally downplays or minimizes the significance or importance of something, usually for rhetorical effect. In this case, the speaker mentions that they altered their traps without going into specific details or explaining the importance of this action, thereby downplaying its significance. Instead of providing a detailed account, they simply say "not to trouble you with particulars." This use of understatement helps emphasize the surprise and unexpectedness of finding a large old he-goat in one of the traps.