Final answer:
The element that releases its energy through emotional stirrings is Water. This is aligned with ancient and medieval beliefs that associate Water with emotional states and expressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is D) Water. According to the ancient philosopher Empedocles, there are four basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These elements are influenced by two fundamental forces, Love and Strife, which animate the physical world. In the context of emotional expression among the elements, Water is traditionally associated with emotional states and is believed to release energy through emotional stirrings. This view of elements can be traced back to ancient philosophies and was later incorporated into medieval thought, which included the idea of a 'sphere of fire' located between Earth and the Moon. While Fire might be thought to be the answer due to its volatile nature, historically, it is Water that is tied to the emotional sphere.