The correct option is C. poverty. Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding the Underlined Word: The word "penury" is the key term in the question. To find a synonym, we need to understand its meaning. "Penury" refers to a state of extreme poverty or destitution. It describes a situation where a person lacks the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
2. Analyzing the Options:
3. A. avariciousness: This word means having an extreme greed for wealth or material gain. While it relates to money, it does not convey the idea of lacking resources or being in a state of poverty. Instead, it suggests a desire for more wealth, which is the opposite of being in penury.
4. B. affluence: This term means having a great deal of wealth; it is the opposite of poverty. If someone is affluent, they are well-off and do not experience the hardships associated with penury. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
5. C. poverty: This is the correct answer. "Poverty" directly refers to the state of being extremely poor, which aligns perfectly with the meaning of "penury." It captures the essence of lacking sufficient financial resources and living in hardship.
6. D. penny pinching: This phrase refers to being excessively frugal or stingy, often to the point of being miserly. While it involves a relationship with money, it does not imply a lack of money itself. Someone who is penny pinching may have money but chooses to spend it very carefully. Thus, this option does not convey the same meaning as "penury."
7. Why C is Correct: "Poverty" is synonymous with "penury" because both terms describe a lack of financial resources and the struggles that come with it. The context of the sentence, which mentions "a lifetime of hunger," further emphasizes the dire consequences of being in a state of penury, reinforcing that the correct answer is indeed "poverty."
8. Common Pitfalls:
9. Students may confuse "penury" with terms related to wealth or frugality, such as "avariciousness" or "penny pinching." It's important to focus on the core meaning of the word rather than its connotations.
10. Misunderstanding the context can lead to selecting an incorrect option. Always consider how the word fits into the overall sentence.

Revision Summary:

• "Penury" means extreme poverty or destitution.
• The correct synonym is "poverty" (Option C).
• "Avariciousness" and "affluence" are opposites of penury.
• "Penny pinching" refers to frugality, not a lack of resources.

By understanding the meanings of the words and their relationships, you can effectively choose the correct synonyms in similar questions.