Final answer:
The phrase 'the face that launched a thousand ships' refers to Helen of Troy and emphasizes the destructive power of her beauty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'the face that launched a thousand ships' refers to Helen of Troy, a character from Greek mythology. It is a metaphorical expression that highlights the immense beauty and allure of Helen, which was said to have caused the Trojan War. The line is from Christopher Marlowe's play 'Doctor Faustus,' and it emphasizes the destructive power that can result from a captivating and irresistible beauty.