Final answer:
It is true that sarcasm is when verbal and nonverbal cues differ, as it involves saying one thing but meaning another, often in a mocking tone.
Sarcasm can be difficult to interpret in written communications like emails where tone and facial expressions are absent. In literature, it serves as a tool for ridicule and criticism, requiring a delicate balance to maintain the intended message.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony where the speakers say the opposite of what they truly mean. It is true that sarcasm is an example of when words, body language, tone, and facial expression may not match up, creating a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant.
In sarcasm, often, the literal words may carry a positive message but are delivered in a tone or with facial expressions that suggest the speaker is actually being negative or mocking. A classic example might be saying, "Great job," in a tone that clearly means the opposite.
The use of sarcasm can be challenging, especially in written communication such as emails, because the tone of voice and facial expressions are absent, making it difficult to convey the intended mockery. That is why emoticons or other indicators are often used to signal sarcasm online, but they may not always be fitting or understood.
In literature, sarcasm and satire are used as a means to criticize or ridicule subjects, as seen in the works of writers such as Jonathan Swift.
They require a thoughtful balance to effectively convey the humor without obscuring the message. The effectiveness of sarcasm can highly depend on the audience's ability to detect the discrepancy between the literal words and the underlying true intent.