I'd like to clarify the choices presented:
-an end to great suffering
-a time of great pain and sorrow
-the helplessness of humans
-the promise of a new beginning
the answer to the question is 'the promise of new beginning'. Viewed in the light of other images that Steinbeck uses, Rose of Sharon's pregnancy likely symbolizes a new beginning.
Abate = become less intense or widespread: (of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative)
"the storm suddenly abated"
Also: die down/away/out
Evidence to support your credibility and claim. Your claim of the essay is nothing without evidence in body paragraphs
Can I ask what a media exactly is in the question? like a program, way of expressing something?