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From William Hazlitt's essay *On the Ignorance of the Learned* (1821). Select the word that fits the blank. "Books are less often made use of as 'spectacles' to look at nature with, than as ______ to keep out its strong light and shifting scenery from weak eyes and indolent dispositions."

Alenses
Bblinds
Cdoorways
Dmirrors
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. blinds
Hazlitt contrasts books as *spectacles* (lenses to see better through) with books as ______ (something that *keeps out* light). The blank needs to name an opaque cover. *Blinds* — window shades that block light — fit exactly. The contrast is *help see* vs *prevent seeing*. - *Lenses* repeats *spectacles* rather than contrasting. - *Mirrors* reflect rather than block. - *Doorways* let things pass through.
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