The message of the passage can be accurately described as:
A. It develops an implicit theme that sometimes the desire to please others is stronger than rational beliefs.
In this passage, Candice initially expresses a dismissive attitude towards external beauty, stating that she doesn't care if someone else is prettier than her and that beauty doesn't mean anything. However, her actions contradict her words when she checks her appearance in the mirror, shakes her head, and starts applying make-up. This contradiction between her words and actions implies that despite her rational belief that beauty doesn't matter, the societal pressure or desire to please others might be influencing her behavior. This discrepancy between what Candice says and does suggests an implicit theme that the desire to please others can sometimes override one's rational beliefs.
