Final answer:
The quote symbolizes self-reliance and individual effort as highlighted in 'Southern Horrors'. The historical example of Moses reinforces this theme, connecting to the metaphor of the invisible hand where individual actions contribute to greater social benefit. The correct answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote "the gods only help those who help themselves" contributes to the author's central ideas in Southern Horrors predominantly as a symbol of self-reliance and individual effort. This is evident in the narrative where individuals are urged not to wait for divine or external assistance, but rather to take initiative for their own survival. The historical example of Moses leading the Hebrews in the desert aligns with this theme, where he motivates them to rely on their own ingenuity and effort, which eventually leads to finding water and a new homeland.
This act of personal agency is mirrored in the metaphor of the invisible hand, underscoring that individual self-interest can inadvertently lead to the collective benefit of a community, a concept that suggests a broader, emergent social good rooted in personal endeavor and resilience.
Therefore, the correct option that relates to the question is option A: It symbolizes the theme of self-reliance and individual effort.