Frankenstein, also known as The Modern Prometheus, written by Mary Shelley and published in 1818 for its first edition, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a creature conscious creature, going against all kinds of scientific principles.
When we try to understand vocabulary, in whatever document, we need to use the context and also clue words to gather the meaning of unknown words. In this case, the sentence is talking about a sense of guilt, of something done wrong. It also talks about forgiveness, which is being reflected on given the situation spoken about. Given this, exculpation has to do with being forgiven, or not being found guilty about something. This is why the correct answer is A, acquitted. Both words mean the same thing; being not found guilty, or being exhonerated of guilt for something done.
