If we read the sentence it is set in negative tone. This will give us better idea of answer from the choices. For first blank, what word can go along with hard and cruel. First two options are in positive word so 3rd choice is right. For next blank same thing, as they see life in bad light, which words convey the given meaning, it would be choice D. Now for third, we want the word that say leave themselves to fate or misused by fate. Now resign means accepting as inevitable and sacrilege means misuse or violation what is regarded as sacred.
Both choices make sense but sacrilege go for tone that is common in sentence.