What should come in the place of blank number (4)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. archaeology.
The sentence describes literary criticism as “an excavation of silences as much as meanings.” The keyword excavation directly connects to digging beneath the surface to uncover hidden layers. “Archaeology” metaphorically fits this idea because it involves systematic digging and uncovering of buried truths, just like criticism reveals hidden meanings and silences in texts.
Option Analysis:
A. reparation – means repair or making amends, unrelated to analysis or uncovering
B. affirmation – means confirming something, but here the focus is on discovery, not confirmation
C. archaeology – involves excavation and uncovering hidden layers, perfectly matches the metaphor
D. speculation – means guessing or theorising, which lacks the depth and method implied by “excavation”