In context of the passage, the question in lines 53–54 ("What can we . . . consciences?”) serves as a transitional element that
A
expresses the speaker’s indignation at the issues described in the passageB
introduces a potential way of resolving the issues addressed in the passageC
expounds on the sense of powerlessness over the issues highlighted in the passageD
suggests the speaker’s uncertainty about how to grapple with the issues discussed in the passage