Final answer:
The poet uses the symbol of concrete to convey 'The hardships of life' and 'A difficult environment,' which represent the tough and unyielding aspects of life, rather than a factual or idyllic representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of symbols in poetry is a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and emotions. When a poet uses the symbol of concrete, it can have multiple interpretations. In this context, the correct answers are that the symbol of concrete can represent The hardships of life and A difficult environment. Both options suggest that the poet is using concrete imagery to impart a sense of struggle and the tough, unyielding nature of certain life experiences by comparing them to the hard, solid material known for its strength and durability. This comparison is a form of concrete language that touches upon sensory experience and evokes more vivid imagery than abstract language.
Concrete as a substance used for roads is also factually accurate, albeit less symbolic, while A perfect place for a garden is likely not what the poet intended as concrete does not typically represent ideal conditions for a garden due to its impermeability and hardness. The poet's choice to use concrete words is deliberate, aimed at enabling the reader to connect with the sensory experience being presented, which is essential in poetry according to poets like Mike Dockins and William Carlos Williams. This approach helps ensure that readers are not just reading about the experiences but are also able to visualize and feel them.