In each of the following questions, a sentence is given with two blanks, indicating that parts of the sentence are missing. Choose the most suitable pair of words from the given options that accurately and grammatically complete the sentence. The totalitarian regime's systemic ________ of subversive artwork inadvertently triggered a profound cultural ________, fueling an underground movement that aggressively challenged state authority.

The sentence sets up a cause-and-effect relationship where a regime's oppressive action backfires and strengthens an underground movement. The first blank requires a word denoting censorship or suppression of art. "Expurgation" means the removal of objectionable matter or purging/censorship. The second blank requires a word showing a revival or renewal of culture that would fuel a rebellion. "Resurgence" means a revival after a period of little activity, fitting perfectly.  o (a) fails because a regime would not give "commendation" (praise) to subversive art. o (b) fails because "assimilation" (absorbing into the culture) contradicts the idea of an underground rebellion. o (c) fails because "containment" would mean the movement was successfully stopped, contradicting the fact that it was fueled.