How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?

Question

The following are the meanings listed in the dictionary against the phrase ‘take on’. In which meaning is it used in the third paragraph of the account:

take on sth:	to begin to have a particular quality or appearance; to assume sth
take sb on:	to employ sb; to engage sb to accept sb as one’s opponent in a game, contest or conflict
take sb/sth on:	to decide to do sth; to allow sth/sb to enter e.g. a bus, plane or ship; to take sth/sb on board

Answer 1

How the Story Shows Optimism

Even when the boat is badly damaged and the storm is fierce, the parents keep trying to repair, pump out water and navigate, believing there is still a chance to survive.
The children stay hopeful and brave; their calm words and trust in their father give emotional strength to the adults instead of adding panic.
Because no one gives up mentally, they notice signs of land, use their skills carefully and finally reach safety; their optimistic attitude turns desperate effort into real rescue.

Idea in One Line

The story suggests that when people keep hope alive and remain positive, they can continue to act wisely and bravely, even under the worst pressure, and this helps them endure and overcome “the direst stress”.

How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?

Solution and Explanation

How the Story Shows Optimism

Idea in One Line

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