Final answer:
The words 'stout and brave' in the context provided suggest that 'our hearts' embody qualities of courage and determination, reflecting an emotional resilience to life's challenges rather than physical strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase “our hearts, though stout and brave” from the student's question suggests that our hearts are characterized by courageous and determined qualities, rather than physical strength. These words evoke the emotional and psychological resilience of the human spirit in the face of the inexorable passage of time and the inevitability of death. The heart, being referred to as 'stout', implies a robustness in facing challenges, while 'brave' highlights the valor and fortitude in confronting life's adversities. This interpretation aligns with a broader literary and historical context where the heart is often used metaphorically to denote the center of emotion and spirit.
The usage of 'stout and brave' connects to a theme of resilience and indomitable spirit found in literature and art. It reflects on the human capacity to endure and persevere through hardships with courage and a will that does not yield easily to fear or despair. Thus, these words illustrate an attitude of facing life's existential challenges with a brave and resolute heart.