Question

which of these inferences is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 7)? in all important matters, however, the citizens can always count on a refusal. and now the strange fact is that without this refusal one simply cannot get along, yet at the same time these official occasions designed to receive the refusal are by no means a formality. time after time one goes there full of expectation and in all seriousness and then one returns, if not exactly strengthened or happy, nevertheless not disappointed or tired. about these things i do not have to ask the opinion of anyone else, i feel them in myself, as everyone does; nor do i have any great desire to find out how these things are connected. the townspeople dont mind the refusal because theres nothing they really want. the people of the town have come to expect—and even rely on—the refusal. the townspeople blindly follow the orders of the government without questioning. the narrator prefers to mind his own business and not pay attention to the ceremony or the refusal.

Explanation:

The passage states that in important matters, citizens can always count on a refusal and they go to the official occasions full of expectation. This shows they have come to expect and rely on the refusal.

Answer:

B. The people of the town have come to expect—and even rely on—the refusal.