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.
"exuberance" means enthusiasm or showing a lot of energy. if someone holds back a cry of pain, that doesn't really make them seem energetic or excited. from that alone, you can infer that "stoicism" is your answer, but that word relates to a pointed lack of emotion, like when someone doesn't want to lose face or show that they're in pain.
Answer:
Uhm why are you giving away your points?
<span>Knowing that Howells was associated with the press explains his focus on truthful depictions of events. It also explains the backdrop of the story—the effects of patriotic propaganda in newspapers and magazines to garner public support and manipulate the emotions of their readers.</span>
