Read the sentence below and use context clues to determine the meaning of the word spruce:

we should really spruce this place up. it could use some improvements and decorative touches.

what does spruce mean in this context?

to alter considerably
to deodorize or perfume
to increase awareness of
to neaten or make pretty

in the quotation from passage, connie willis states that literature is a way for authors from the past to communicate with readers of today. we can read their stories, books, and other texts to learn lessons about life. willis refers to these lessons as messages “from beyond the grave.” willis has a favorable viewpoint about the timelessness of literature.