Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. All the world is a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms; Then the whining school-boy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwilling to school. And then the lover, Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths, and bearded like a pard, Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble-reputation Even in the cannon's mouth.
A soldier is jealous about his honour as :

Question

Accepted Answer

The extract provided is from William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," where the character Jaques delivers the famous monologue comparing the world to a stage and life to a play with seven acts. In this context, the description of the soldier is particularly vivid and metaphorical.

1. **Explanation for Option 2:**
   - The phrase "bearded like a pard" directly compares the soldier to a leopard, emphasizing his fierce and wild nature. Leopards are known for their ferocity and strength, which aligns with the soldier's demeanor. This comparison highlights the soldier's aggressive and combative characteristics, which are essential traits for someone in a military role. The soldier's jealousy in honor is akin to the territorial and protective instincts of a leopard, making Option 2 the correct choice.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1:** "He is jealous of his enemy." This option is incorrect because the text does not suggest that the soldier's jealousy is directed towards an enemy. Instead, it focuses on his personal sense of honor and reputation.
   - **Option 3:** "He is very sensitive about his honour." While sensitivity to honor is a part of the soldier's character, the text emphasizes his aggressive and fierce nature, which is more accurately captured by the comparison to a leopard. Sensitivity alone does not convey the full intensity of the soldier's demeanor.
   - **Option 4:** "He wants to win at any cost." This option is incorrect because the text does not explicitly state that the soldier's actions are driven by a desire to win. Instead, it highlights his quickness to quarrel and his pursuit of reputation, which are more about personal honor than victory at any cost.

In conclusion, Option 2 is the correct answer because it captures the essence of the soldier's character as described in the extract, using the metaphor of a leopard to convey his fierce and aggressive nature.