Read the passage about hesitation, changing opinions, and perseverance. Then answer the question. According to the passage, whose spirit is daunted or discouraged by petty difficulties?

Introduction / Context:
In the passage, the author contrasts a weak spirit that is easily daunted by petty difficulties with a firm and persevering spirit that can reach eminence. The question asks whose spirit is daunted by petty difficulties. To answer, we must recall the exact phrase used in the passage and understand that daunted means frightened, discouraged, or disheartened by obstacles.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage mentions petty difficulties which daunt a weaker spirit.
• A person with strong resolution and flexible perseverance is not daunted by such difficulties.
• The weak and fluctuating man is described as changing plans and opinions frequently and failing to accomplish anything great.
• The strong and persevering man holds firmly to his chosen course with heroic resolution.
• Daunted in this context means discouraged or made to lose heart.

Concept / Approach:
We must match the phrase weaker spirit from the passage to the correct option. The weak spirit is the one that gives up when faced with minor obstacles. The strong spirit is the one that remains undismayed. Therefore, the correct answer must explicitly mention a weak spirit or an equivalent phrase, not someone who is strong or eventually resolute.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the exact wording: petty difficulties which daunt a weaker spirit. Step 2: Examine option D, which refers to a person with a weak spirit who is easily discouraged. This clearly matches weaker spirit and daunted. Step 3: Option A speaks of someone who fluctuates but still has a strong inner spirit, which does not match weaker spirit. Step 4: Option B describes a hesitant person who eventually forms a firm resolution, which is closer to the positive character in the passage. Step 5: Option C directly mentions a strong spirit, which is the opposite of what is daunted. Step 6: Option E talks about a person with no opinions, which the passage does not mention.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify our answer by noting that the passage praises a spirit that is undismayed by petty difficulties. Since undismayed is the opposite of daunted, it must describe the strong spirit. Therefore, the weaker spirit is the one that is daunted, and the correct option is the one that emphasises weakness and easy discouragement. That is exactly what option D describes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because it mixes fluctuation with strength; the passage links fluctuation with weakness, not strength. Option B is wrong because eventually forming a firm resolution is a positive trait, but the daunted spirit is negative. Option C is wrong because a strong spirit is described as undismayed, not daunted. Option E is wrong because the passage does not discuss a person with no opinions at all.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to ignore the adjectives weaker and undismayed and to focus only on the general idea of hardship. However, the passage is precise: petty difficulties daunt a weaker spirit but not the strong, resolute person. Paying attention to these descriptive words helps avoid confusion between strong and weak characters in the text.

Final Answer:
According to the passage, a person with a weak spirit who is easily discouraged is daunted by petty difficulties.