Read the excerpt from “Rip Van Winkle.”

Times grew worse and worse with Rip Van Winkle as years of matrimony rolled on; a tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener by constant use.

What does the phrase “a tart temper mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener by constant use” suggest?

Rip Van Winkle and his wife have strong personalities, and the conflict between them escalates as their marriage goes on.
With each day the Van Winkles are together, the more intense and consistent Dame Van Winkle’s nagging becomes.
The Van Winkles' affection for each other grows stronger as they learn to talk through their differences.
As Rip Van Winkle becomes more accustomed to his wife’s demands, he adjusts his behavior to better meet her expectations.

The given phrase means that (b) with each day the Van Winkles are together, the more intense and consistent Dame Van Winkle’s nagging becomes.

What is the meaning of given phrase of Rip Van Winkle?

The phrase “a tart temper mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener by constant use” suggests that Van Winkle is getting used to the relationship with his wife with growing years of marriage. he is now happy and contended. Their fights and issues have now become monotonous.

Therefore, the correct option is (B) with each day the Van Winkles are together, the more intense and consistent Dame Van Winkle’s nagging becomes.

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