in paragraphs 2 and 3, who does the word they refer to? what does the word it refer to? how do you know?

The word "they" may refer to a gender-specific pronoun, or it may refer to a person describing another. The word "it" may refer to a thing, animal, etc.

Explanation:

When describing a person, you do not use the word it. This is because a person, unlike a dog or a cat, can be easily identified by gender or name. Another animal may not show specific traits that define its gender, and they may not possess the ability to verbalize; in this circumstance, you would refer to the creature (or object) as "it".

- "the die is cast; i have consented to return if we are not destroyed. thus are my hopes blasted by cowardice and indecision; i come back ignorant and disappointed. it requires more philosophy than i possess to bear this injustice with patience. i have lost my hopes of utility and glory; i have lost my friend."