Final answer:
Henry's statement about indulging in the illusions of hope refers to the human tendency to cling to hope against rational judgment, making option B the correct answer: It indicates that man would rather believe in hope even if they know the truth is opposite to what he believes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Henry states, "It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope," he is acknowledging a common human tendency to cling to hope, sometimes against rational judgment or in the face of contrary evidence. This sentiment resonates with the idea that humans often prefer the comfort of hopeful illusions to the harshness of reality, a phenomenon observed throughout history and literature. Therefore, the correct answer is B: It indicates that man would rather believe in hope even if they know the truth is opposite to what he believes.
This concept is not unique to any single historical period but is found in various contexts where people have turned to hope as a coping mechanism or as a form of denial when confronted with challenging circumstances. It can be seen in the excerpt provided where the hope for the South's triumph during the Civil War persists despite the evidence of imminent defeat, reflecting the emotional nature of such beliefs.