The first and last sentences show postmodern self-reflexivity.
In the first sentence, the author describes the setting and names the characters and after that, he directly addresses the reader and tells himhow other writers used to enhance the illusion of reality by using proper names.
In the last sentence the author reflects on how these devices used by realist writers were in fact artificial.
In these sentences, Barth addresses the reader and gives his opinion on certain literary devices used by other writers. It is a piece of metfiction, reflecting on its own fictional character and techniques.
<span>"Early Victorian Tea Set” is actually written by Neil McGregor and based on the statements above, the line that shows the best summary of this would be the last option. This is the sentence that summarize the influence of the desire of the British for tea around the world. Hope this helps.</span>
