Final answer:
In 'The Briefcase' by Rebecca Makkai, the chef interprets the professor's test question as an inversion because he perceived hidden meaning in the question, reflecting the layered interpretations often found in literary analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chef interprets the professor's test question as an inversion in the story The Briefcase by Rebecca Makkai because the chef saw a hidden meaning in the question (option c). This interpretation stems from the nature of literary analysis, where there is often more than one way to understand a text or a question related to a text. In literature, characters may perceive depth or multiple layers of meaning in questions, similar to the way literary critics find deeper significance in the syntax and structure of language. The chef's interpretation suggests a sophisticated understanding that a superficial reading of a question might not reveal the true intent or complexity behind it.