Final answer:
The metaphor by Marcel Proust means that people who make us happy are like gardeners to our souls, nurturing and allowing us to grow. The correct interpretation is that these people nourish our souls with their contributions to our happiness. It does not suggest that all people make us happy, but appreciates the special ones who do. The correct option that the metaphor suggests is: 1. People nourish our souls when they make us happy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metaphor in Marcel Proust's statement, "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." suggests that people who bring happiness into our lives play a nurturing role similar to gardeners caring for plants. The happiness they provide helps our inner selves to grow and flourish. By understanding the nurturing nature of happiness and its significance in personal growth, we can better appreciate the roles individuals play in our lives as sources of joy and fulfillment.
The metaphor does not imply that all people make us happy, as that is not the intended meaning. Instead, it focuses on the exceptional individuals who contribute positively to our well-being. Given the various excerpts you provided that reflect on the human experience, relationships, and personal growth, they all illustrate how external influences shape our internal landscapes just as gardeners shape their gardens.