I answer that every requisite in female economy is easily attained; and, with truth I can add, that when once attained, they require no further mental attention. Nay, while we are pursuing the needle, or the superintendence of the family, I repeat, that our minds are at full liberty for reflection; that imagination may exert itself in full vigor; and that if a just foundation is early laid, our ideas will then be worthy of rational beings. If we were industrious we might easily find time to arrange them upon paper, or should avocations press too hard for such an indulgence, the hours allotted for conversation would at least become more refined and rational.

Should it still be vociferated, "Your domestic employments are sufficient"—I would calmly ask, is it reasonable, that a candidate for immortality, for the joys of heaven, an intelligent being, who is to spend an eternity in contemplating the works of the Deity, should at present be so degraded, as to be allowed no other ideas, than those which are suggested by the mechanism of a pudding, or the sewing the seams of a garment?

Based on this excerpt, which phrase means the same as, "avocations press too hard for such an indulgence"? (5 points)

A: All work and no play

B: No work and no play

C: No work and all play

D: All work and all play

The author in the sentence quoted is saying that if women cannot afford the time to put their ideas to paper, then at least the ideas expressed in their conversation should improve.

I don't think it is a question of work and play. It's sort of a silly phrase, but I realize you are stuck with it.

I think A is your best answer, and I cannot think of any kind of alternative from the other 3 that are satisfactory. The problem is that there is compensation for having little time but being able to think: the time spent contemplating will show up in conversation.