The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the visible text and standard grammatical rules, the correct answer is:
style:
Explanation
The correct answer completes the sentence by using a colon to introduce a descriptive list. The sentence in question requires punctuation that appropriately links the main clause to the series of adjectives that follows. The use of a colon is the most grammatically sound choice for this specific context.
A colon serves to introduce information that explains or elaborates on the preceding clause. For a colon to be used correctly, the text before it must form a complete sentence or independent clause. In this case, the phrase “De Sévigné’s letters, however, are also notable for their style” is a full independent clause. It can stand on its own as a complete thought. The list that follows the colon, “elegant, witty, and often very funny,” directly explains the specific qualities of the “style” mentioned. The colon acts as a gateway, signaling to the reader that a clarification or a list of examples is about to be presented.
Let us consider why the other options are incorrect. A semicolon is used to join two closely related independent clauses, but the phrase “elegant, witty, and often very funny” is not an independent clause because it lacks a subject and a main verb. Therefore, a semicolon would be improper.
Using a comma would also be incorrect. A comma is not typically used to separate a noun, like “style,” from the list of adjectives that directly describe it. This punctuation would create an awkward and grammatically flawed sentence structure.
Finally, a period would incorrectly break the sentence in two. Ending the sentence after “style” would leave the subsequent list of adjectives as a sentence fragment, which is a significant grammatical error. Thus, the colon is the only option that correctly and logically connects the main idea with its descriptive elaboration, ensuring the sentence is both clear and grammatically correct.
