Which element is known for its ability to be bent and straightened?

The element recognized for its capacity to be bent and straightened is wood. This property arises from the structural characteristics of wood, which allows it to be manipulated into different shapes under certain conditions, such as when it is heated or soaked in water. Wood can be steamed to make it more pliable, enabling it to be bent into curved shapes, such as in the crafting of furniture or boat building. Once it cools or dries, it retains the new shape, demonstrating its versatility as a material.

In contrast, fire, earth, and water do not exhibit this specific property of bending and straightening. Fire is a transformative element associated with energy and change but does not possess a form that can be bent or straightened. Earth is typically solid and rigid, primarily providing stability. Water, while fluid and adaptable, does not retain a "bent" shape; it takes the form of its container without maintaining any specific curvature when not confined. Thus, wood stands out as the only element among the choices that can be physically altered in such a way.