Question

look at the word in bold.
salva had never seen anything like the desert. around his village, loun - arlik, enough grass and shrubs grew to feed the grazing cattle. there were even trees. but here in the desert, nothing green could survive except tiny evergreen acacia bushes, which somehow endured the long winter months with almost no water.
uncle said it would take three days to cross the akobo. salvas shoes stood no chance against the hot stony desert ground. the soles, made from rubber tire treads, had already been reduced to shreds held together with a little leather and a great deal of hope. after only a few minutes, salva had to kick off the flapping shreds and continue barefoot.
the first day in the desert felt like the longest day salva had ever lived through. the sun was relentless and eternal: there was neither wisp of cloud nor whiff of breeze for relief. each minute of walking in that and heat felt like an hour. even breathing became an effort: every breath salva took seemed to drain strength rather than restore it.
thorns gored his feet. his lips became cracked and parched. uncle cautioned him to make the water in his gourd last as long as possible. it was the hardest thing salva had ever done, taking only tiny sips when his body cried out for huge gulps of thirst - quenching, life - giving water.
from linda sue park, a long walk to water. copyright 2010 by linda sue park
what is the meaning of relentless as used in the passage?
dark and gloomy
comforting and healing
harsh and unforgiving

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "relentless" in the passage, we analyze the context. The sun is described as having no cloud or breeze for relief, and walking in the heat is extremely difficult. "Dark and gloomy" doesn't fit the sun's description. "Comforting and healing" is opposite to the harsh conditions. "Harsh and unforgiving" matches the sun's unrelenting, severe nature as it causes difficulty and no relief.

Answer:

harsh and unforgiving