What figure of speech expresses meaning by using harsh, opposite statements?

The choice represents sarcasm, which is a form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they really mean, often in a harsh or mocking tone. Sarcasm is characterized by the use of sharp, cutting remarks that convey contempt or ridicule, making it an effective tool in both everyday conversation and literature to emphasize a point or criticize behavior indirectly. By expressing an idea through contradictory statements, sarcasm can illuminate truths in a way that straightforward language might not, adding a layer of complexity to expression.

The other figures of speech in the choices have their own unique characteristics but do not fit the description as effectively as sarcasm does. For example, satire refers to a broader genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize societal norms or individuals, not necessarily relying on the juxtaposition of harsh opposites in statements. Simile, on the other hand, involves comparing two unrelated things using 'like' or 'as' and does not inherently convey harshness or contradiction. Lastly, a soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often revealing inner feelings without the element of harsh contradiction.