Final answer:
Dupin's statement that truth is superficial and not profound is an example of a paradox, a statement which seems contradictory but holds deeper truth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Dupin says that truth is superficial and not profound or too difficult to find, he is making a statement that appears contradictory but reveals a truth that is unexpected. This statement is an example of a paradox. A paradox is a figure of speech in which a statement that appears self-contradictory or silly on the surface, reveals a deeper truth when considered more closely. In contrast to satire, which uses humor to ridicule or criticize, or irony, which implies a discrepancy between expectations and reality, a paradox challenges the listener or reader to think beyond the obvious. Dupin's remark must be seen in the context of his methods of solving mysteries, which often involve seeing what others overlook because it seems too simple.