The answer is c. read the chapter over again
It means that one should never lose hope because nothing is ever completely dark, there is always something good to which we can cling.
But the essay is supposed to be about you? how do we know your family background? education aspirations, and career goals? i’m afraid i won’t be able to help
I think it might be “It introduces the story and sets up the coming events.” I’m not sure so take this with a grain of salt...