Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Hegel’s works. In this context, "opaque" means difficult to understand or unclear. The text creates a contrast between the initial impression given by Hegel’s works and their influence and insight, noting that readers must "penetrate Hegel’s frustratingly dense prose" to access his important ideas. This context clearly establishes that Hegel’s writing is initially challenging to comprehend, or opaque.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because "authoritative" means influential or clearly accurate. Hegel’s works may be authoritative, but it wouldn’t make logical sense in context to say that although his works seem authoritative, they have been influential. Instead, the text focuses on the fact that Hegel’s works are challenging to read, but that working through the dense prose can be rewarding.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because referring to Hegel’s works as "empirical," which means factual or verifiable, would suggest that they are based on observation or experience rather than theory. The text, however, doesn’t address this aspect of Hegel’s philosophy. Instead, it focuses on the difficulty of understanding his writing.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because describing Hegel’s works as "facile," which means superficial or simplistic, would directly contradict the text’s characterization of his writing as "frustratingly dense" and requiring effort to understand.