Thomas Hardy, was an English novelist and poet, who lived from 1840 to 1928. His work is known for not following the Naturalism paradigm that was present during his career. Consequently, his texts were considered pessimist and somber.
- Sentence number 1 is linked to letter B
Both sentences are connected given that, as it is stated, several environmental conditions kill off those with unfavorable conditions. This is directly reflected when the author says: "The ancient pulse of germ and birth... was shrunken and dry", meaning that few can still be born or brought to the world.
- Sentence number 2 is linked to letter A
The sentiment is of little use in the struggle for survival: the reason why these two are connected, is the next phrase; "What good will planting flowers produce?". The last sentence is directly questioning the purpose of wasting time in planting a flower, when the primary goal is to survive. It shows skepticism and tries to vanish what the flower may significate, to focus on a more critical task. This shows a more methodical way of executing actions.
- Sentence number 3 is linked to the letter C
The central premise states, that the individual is of little importance in the environment. The extract presented as option C is the correct match given that all the adjectives used in it, are aiming to minimalize what they are describing. It portrays it, as weak, fragile and small.
- Sentence number 4 is linked to the letter D.
This is profoundly conveyed with the use of the word "Mistress". The metaphor is used to put the individual in a place of submissiveness to whatever he is ordered to do. As for the "inappropriate" part of the statement, this could be correlated to the fact that the person is digging upon a grave.