I would say C. I actually haven't read the passage, but based off of another question I saw, I'd say the answer is C.
Transverse is to stretch across something
The dictionary definition is
situated or extending across something."a transverse beam supports the dashboard"<span>synonyms:<span>crosswise, crossways, cross, horizontal, diagonal, oblique, slanted</span></span>
The Situational Irony that occurred in "The Colomber" by Dino Buzzati was the fact that Stefano gave up his dream of becoming a sea captain to ensure that he will live a long life after seeing the Colomber.
It was believed that the Colomber was a harbinger of Death and that whoever sees it will be doomed for life.
However, the reason why the Colomber was after Stefano was because it was tasked to give Stefano a pearl that will give him good luck and success in life.
It is ironic because the reason Stefano feared the Colomber was false and baseless.
