Walpole’s art collection was huge and fascinating, and his novel The Castle of Otranto was never out of print; none of this mattered to the Victorians, who___him as, at best,___
(A) dismissed, insignificant
(B) judged, worthwhile
(C) revered, talented
(D) reviled, meager
(E) taunted, dangerous
Was confused between A and B. Why not B?
For the second blank, it seems to make no sense if you want to put “worthwhile!” Notice the tone of this sentence!
Nothing of this mattered to Victorians, and even if it would have mattered, then it would have been very, very little = insignificant!
Plus, the word “judge” doesn’t always carry a negative connotation, rather it’s a more of neutral word; however, “dismiss” does have a negative connotation.