Question

\with best of sun and song and rain and dew
high on the hill thy strength, tho storm and wind
oft did thy tender thewless youth unbend;
but greater thou in limb and power grew.\ (lines 5-8)
what do these lines most clearly reveal about the tree?

1. it became larger by growing multiple new branches.
2. it learned to live in good and bad weather conditions.
3. it overcame hardships more easily because it was on a hill.
4. it became larger and stronger in spite of challenges it faced.

Explanation:

The lines reference both nurturing elements (sun, rain, dew) and harsh conditions (storm, wind) the tree faced. It notes the tree's youth was affected by storms, but it still grew "greater in limb and power." Option 1 is incorrect as no mention of branches is made. Option 2 is incomplete, as the focus is not just surviving but growing stronger. Option 3 is wrong, as the hill is its location, not the reason it overcame hardships easily. Option 4 matches the text: the tree grew larger and stronger despite challenges.

Answer:

1. It became larger and stronger in spite of challenges it faced.