Question

All his strength and energy–all his vital and intellectual force–seemed at once to desert him; insomuch that he positively withered up, shrivelled away, and almost vanished from mortal life...This unhappy man had made the very principle of his life to consist in the pursuit and systematic exercise of revenge. What was the principle of this man's life?

1) Strength and energy
2) Vital and intellectual force
3) Pursuit and systematic exercise of revenge
4) Desertion and withering away

Answer 1

The man's life was principally governed by the pursuit and systematic exercise of revenge, which lead to a dwindling of his other qualities, such as strength and intellect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principle of the man's life, as stated in the passage, is the pursuit and systematic exercise of revenge. Despite references to his strength and intellectual force, these aspects are not identified as the core principle but rather qualities that were abandoned as a consequence of his singular focus on revenge. This man's devotion to the path of revenge consumed him to the point where all other aspects of life seemed to vanish.