I would say the correct answer is A. the sea. It can be seen as a symbol of life itself.
Explanation:
<u>A symbol as a figure of speech represents something that is above and beyond the literal meaning of the word.</u> For example, the sea here doesn't only refer to the actual Mediterranean sea that Odysseus is sailing through with his crew. <u>It represents life and its many troubles and ordeals.</u>
<u>Just like the sea, life is unpredictable and always on the brink of death.</u> Even though Odysseus is trying to maneuver through it with his sailor's skills, it still may prove impossible. Even when it seems that the coast (that is shelter, safe space) is near, the sea still has the power to draw him further away. By using this symbol, Homer implies that life is never peaceful and reliable. On the contrary - it is ultimately unsafe and absolutely beyond our control.
