The answer is Femi Osofisan
In my house, I have a bag of 13 apples
The phrase "mechanically fastened another button of his shirt and did not reply" shows that "absently" means not paying attention.
<h3>The meaning of "absently"</h3>
It is common for authors to use context clues when they introduce a word readers may not know. Context clues are pieces of information that help readers figure out the meaning of that word.
In the passage we are analyzing here, it is possible to infer the meaning of "absently" when we read the phrase that says "mechanically fastened another button." When we do something mechanically, we do it automatically, without giving it much thought.
In other words, we do it without paying attention. That is precisely what "absently" mean. Thus, the phrase helps us figure out the meaning of "absently."
Learn more about context clues here:
brainly.com/question/24750804
The answer is the first one.
In "Writers often disavow the notion of a 'literary duty'" the author conveys a somewhat condescending attitude, as if they would always follow this and set aside anyone who said otherwise. This attitude says the author is looking down on them, and that the author believes that many authors do not meet their standards.
Another answer I would consider is "...writers ruined by their shrill commitments." However, there is no context or clear tone. The author could be mournful of the lost potential for all we know.