A short poem with a witty or sarcastic ending is a/an __________

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the literary term for a short poem that ends in a witty or sarcastic way.

Step 2: Explain each option

• A. Ballad: a narrative poem or song that tells a story, usually in short stanzas. It is not necessarily short or witty.
• B. Allegory: a story, poem, or picture with a hidden moral or political meaning, such as Animal Farm. It is usually long, not short.
• C. Epigram: a brief, clever, often satirical poem or saying that ends with a witty or sarcastic twist. The word comes from the Greek epigramma, meaning "inscription".
• D. Panegyric: a poem or speech of high praise for a person or achievement. It is not sarcastic.

Step 3: Match the definition "Short" plus "witty or sarcastic ending" matches epigram. An example is Alexander Pope's couplet: "I am his Highness' dog at Kew; Pray tell me sir, whose dog are you?" It is short, and the final line delivers the sharp, witty jab.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. epigram.

Tip: Link the terms to key words:

• Ballad → story
• Allegory → hidden meaning
• Epigram → brief and witty
• Panegyric → praise