TC question from BigBook

Since 1813 reaction to Jane Austen’s novels has
oscillated between ------- and condescension; but in
general later writers have esteemed her works more
highly than did most of her literary -------.
(A) dismissal … admirers
(B) adoration … contemporaries
(C) disapproval. .readers
(D) indifference … followers
(E) approbation … precursors

Isn’t approbation a better fit for the blank 1? The answer is B though

Hey,
Look at the second part of the sentence - but in
general later writers have esteemed her works more
highly than did most of her literary -------

So for the second blank admirers won’t be the best choice as the critics should also be writers just like her and hence her contemporaries.

Hope this helps!

Um OP was asking why E is wrong, not A…

Forefathers cannot appreciate the writings of unborn child! I think Thats why E is wrong.