Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. use context clues to determine which choice is the correct definition of scourge in paragraph a)reward or spoils b) curse or affliction c) to clean vigorously d) to punish or chastise

Curse or affliction is the correct definition in this context. Scourge is used as a noun and, based on the rest of the paragraph, one can infer that it has a negative connotation.

your answer would be B

The word scourge has negative connotations, it is a noun that can be easily related to the option B) curse of affliction

There are several hints in the lines to deduce this, we have hope and pray, these actions are normally applied by people who want some sorrow to end.

The other options are not correct since they all have a positive connotation.