Question

Which choice best captures the meaning of the phrase “and you’ll bargain with the calendar,” which appears in the part of “Courage” that deals with old age?

A. You will notice time passing more quickly.
B. You will look forward to the coming of spring.
C. You will resign yourself to impending death.
D. You will hope and strive to live a bit longer.

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with what context this is in, but i believe it is D because it's saying you will "bargain" with the calendar, meaning negotiate to try and get some more time

Answer 2

The correct answer is:

D. You will hope and strive to live a bit longer.

The meaning of the phrase "To bargain with the calendar" is you will hope and strive to live a bit longer. Calendar represents time or the passing of time. Towards the end of life, people tend to regret the time they have wasted and the things they have left undone; thus, this expression is both a prediction and a warning.