Final answer:
The last chime of the clock in Poe's story coincides with the appearance of a mysterious figure, representing the Red Death, and emphasizes the connection between time and the inevitable approach to death option (c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The chiming of the clock during the last occurrence differs from previous instances in the story in that it marks the presence of a stranger during the time it takes the clock to complete twelve strokes.
This happens in Edgar Allan Poe's short story 'The Masque of the Red Death,' where the ominous clock symbolizes the passage of time leading to the inevitable end of life. Each chime of the clock brings the characters closer to their doom, as they attempt to escape the Red Death by isolating themselves in Prince Prospero's abbey.
During the last chime of the clock, the distinction is that the masquerade ball attendees notice a mysterious figure, representing the Red Death itself. The ghastly apparition has a profound effect on the guests; its arrival aligns with the clock's chime, emphasizing the connection between time and death.
This eerie synchronization brings a sudden change in the narrative's pace and mood, fully revealing the allegorical nature of the story.