12 The readers’ criticism that the editorial was riddled with defeatist pessimism cut the writer to the quick.
(A) The editorial was badly designed as a riddle of defeatist pessimism.
(B) The writer of the editorial felt badly hurt by his readers’ critical comments.
(C) Readers of this editorial quickly stopped the writer from spreading the defeatist pessimism.
(D) Readers’ quick answer to the riddle of defeatist pessimism embarrassed the writer of the editorial.