Answer :
Final answer:
Frank is brought to the verge of tears by the tenderness of a memory, as he recounts his irrevocable past and lost dreams, a theme common in literature where characters are moved by poignant recollections.The correct option is 3.
Explanation:
Given the provided excerpts from various literary works, Frank is brought close to tears by the tenderness of a memory. In the first excerpt, Frank mourns the irretrievable loss of his past, his youth, and his 'winter dreams'. The raw emotion stems from a potent nostalgia; the memories of his past loves and experiences that once were so vivid have faded into the unattainable, symbolized by the gray steel that outlasts all else. Similarly, the other excerpts mention moments where characters are overwhelmed by memories or the profound impact of recalling past emotions, tender moments, or the sensation of love—underscoring that memories hold immense power to evoke deep emotional responses.
