The literary movement emerged as a reaction against the perceived _______ of academic criticism, which had become so theory-laden that it seemed disconnected from the actual experience of reading literature for pleasure or insight.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
clarity
obscurantism
accessibility
brevity
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The passage describes criticism that was "theory-laden" and "disconnected" from reading experience. "Obscurantism" means deliberate vagueness or difficult language, fitting this inaccessible approach.
Choice A is incorrect because "clarity" would not provoke reaction. Choice C is incorrect because "accessibility" would not be criticized. Choice D is incorrect because "brevity" refers to length, not accessibility.