[Nightedge]

-The conclusion of the story rejects respect __ authority.

My opinion: the correct word is for, not of. In this case, for means the respect that we show towards authority; of would mean respect on the part of the authority (=respect shown by authority), so of is wrong. Do you agree?

[susan53]

Yes. "for meaning " towards" and in another context, "of" meaning "from"- eg
He won the respect of all his colleagues.

[Nightedge]

Excellent answer. Thank you.