Question

Read the passage given below and pick the option that best fits the question that follows:

The art of growing old is one which the passage of time has forced upon my attention. Psychologically there are two dangers to be guarded against in old age. One of these is undue absorption in the past. It does not do to live in memories, in regrets for the good old days. One's thoughts must be directed to the future. This is not always easy; one's past is a gradually increasing weight. The other thing to be avoided is clinging to youth on the hope of sucking vigour from its vitality.

"By the art of growing old", the author means ______.

• A. some special skill by applying which one can grow old.
• B. that growing old is like creating a work of art.
• C. the acceptance of old age as a fact of life
• D. the refusal on one's part to grow old.

Answer 1

The correct option is A some special skill by applying which one can grow old.

The passage of time has forced the writer to notice how a person grows old. He refers to growing old as some art. He therefore implies that growing old is almost a skill. A is the choice that correctly captures this meaning of the phrase. A is the correct answer.

The author doesn't draw a comparison between growing old and creating a work of art. So, we reject B.

C and D are incorrect.