Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question refers to the prose piece 'The Pace for Living' by R. C. Hutchinson. The narrator, Jim, is a self-proclaimed slow thinker who feels out of place in the fast-paced modern world.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Jim often complains about the speed and efficiency of modern gadgets and how they create a frenetic pace of life.
He observes his wife and other women using various modern appliances. In his view, these appliances contribute to the hurried lifestyle he dislikes.
Among the given options, 'electric' things best represent the modern gadgets (like mixers, heaters, etc.) that he finds overwhelming. The story critiques the "machine age," and electric appliances are a prime example of this.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the context of the story and Jim's perspective on modern life, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank is electric.