Final answer:
Monsieur Morrel is relieved that the cargo is safe as it represents hope for the crew's families, acknowledging the triumph of duty and the promise of economic stability despite the heavy loss of the captain. The correct answer is (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
Monsieur Morrel seems relieved that the cargo is safe even though the captain died because the cargo represents hope for the crew's families. In the context of maritime and literary traditions, the safe delivery of a ship's cargo can symbolize the fulfillment of duty, economic stability, and the promise of support for the crew's dependents. Morrel's reaction might illustrate the complex emotions involved in seafaring trades during times when the loss of lives at sea was sadly a common occurrence. It was not a matter of the cargo being more valuable than human life, but rather a reflection of the era's harsh realities where the success of a voyage, even at great human cost, held significant implications for the livelihood of many people.
Through his relief, Monsieur Morrel possibly acknowledges the heavy loss but also sees the crew's bravery and their enduring spirit in the face of danger. The successful arrival of the cargo affirms his responsibility to the ship and its owners and gives solace to those who depend on the ship's expeditions for survival, thus providing hope in a time of tragedy.
This complexity of emotions is mirrored in various classical maritime narratives, where the triumph of a voyage's completion amidst adversity is often marked by a bittersweet mix of loss and accomplishment.