Answer :
The phrase "A casket-suit does not have to be designed for hard wear" can be seen as a comic understatement because it humorously downplays the practicality or durability of a casket-suit. Here's how this functions as a comic understatement:
1. **Casket-Suit Purpose**: A casket-suit is typically worn by a deceased person for burial. By suggesting that it doesn't need to be designed for hard wear, it implies that the occupant won't be engaging in any physical activity that would normally require a durable outfit.
2. **Comic Effect**: This statement adds humor by pointing out the obvious fact that a casket-suit serves a very specific purpose – to clothe the deceased for burial – and not for everyday use. It exaggerates the idea of the suit needing to withstand rough wear and tear, which is comically irrelevant in the context of a casket.
3. **Irony**: The irony lies in the contrast between the expectation of durability in clothing and the context of a casket-suit, where durability is unnecessary due to the nature of its use. This contrast highlights the absurdity of expecting a burial outfit to be designed for toughness.
In conclusion, the statement about the casket-suit not needing to be designed for hard wear is a comic understatement because it humorously emphasizes the impracticality of expecting durability in a garment meant for the deceased.
