Its is optimistic. Even do the work is hard and slow he thinks that it will get done and it will be alright. <span />
It's oxymoron because it is including the word "fearful." Fearful is describing bravery.
I believe it would be <span>C) She stood before the mirror courtesying and simpering to her own image, and greeting it as the friend whom she loved better than all the world beside. </span>