Which phrase did mark twain use to describe the gilded age? a. a time of quiet reflection b. a period of ridiculous excess c. an era of equality for all d. a generation of honest men

Mark Twain would have most likely used the phrase as B) a period of ridiculous excess. During this period there was rapid economic expansion and growth, but this did not extend to the working poor. The wealth expansion also created very corrupt politics. These factors came to define this period as the "Gilded Age." Twain was very critical of this period and its economic and political characteristics.