What kind of phrase is it

Which inference can a reader make based on the information in the excerpt?

In hard times by charles dickens, the scene in which the characters discuss the depiction of horses on wallpaper and flowers on carpets is the author’s way of showing the absurdity of

Which words in this excerpt from the count of monte cristo can be used as synonyms to determine the meaning of the word grotto? dant? s entered the second grotto. the second grotto was lower and more gloomy than the first; the air that could only enter by the newly formed opening had the mephitic smell dant? s was surprised not to find in the outer cavern. he waited in order to allow pure air to displace the foul atmosphere, and then went on. 1. air 2. opening 3. mephitic 4. cavern 5. pure 6. atmosphere