Math Strategy TC questions from Big Book

How can I use the math strategy in this case. My thought process was that the word ‘otherwise’ is contrasting with the word ‘contemporary’, so the second blank should be replaced with ‘old/rustic’. However, that is clearly wrong. Could someone please clear this concept? Thank you!

While “otherwise” can sometimes be used to contrast two different conditions or situations, in this sentence it is not referring to the contemporary vs. old/rustic contrast. The word “otherwise” is being used to emphasize the exceptional quality of the literary gems that Poe discovers, highlighting their merit even though they may be overlooked by others.

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