Final answer:
In the provided sentence, 'Marianne seemed to take offence at my comments on her work,' the correct option to fill in the blank is (c) offence. This choice is supported by the context of the narratives, where characters feel upset or belittled by others' comments or actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marianne seemed to take offence at my comments on her work is the sentence in question. The context given through the excerpts indicates a narrative where characters experience and express negative reactions to each other's statements and behaviors. Offence is a feeling of upset or annoyance caused by what is perceived as a slight or indignity. This aligns with the sentiments portrayed by the characters who feel insulted or belittled by others' criticisms or actions.
The term corresponds with the examples provided, where characters display emotional turmoil when faced with perceived disrespect or when they're subjected to candid feedback that comes across as demeaning.
Among the options provided (annoyance, insult, offence, indignation), 'offence' is the most suitable choice considering the overall context and the nature of the interactions described. It encapsulates the emotional impact of the criticism better than the other options, which may suggest either a lighter or a more intensely moral reaction.
The correct option for completing the sentence is (c) offence.