Final answer:
In "The Road Not Taken", the phrase "I took the one less traveled by" primarily symbolizes embracing uniqueness (Option c), representing the choice of an unconventional path in life. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken", the phrase "I took the one less traveled by" symbolizes the idea of embracing uniqueness and making a choice that is not the conventional option preferred by the masses (Option c). It reflects on the importance of taking a path in life that is true to oneself, even if it is not the most popular or well-trodden route.
The poem explores the concept of individualism and the impact of the choices we make, suggesting that our decisions can lead to distinct, potentially more fulfilling outcomes. The narrative voice implies that years later, this choice of the less traveled road is significant and perhaps has led to a life that stands out from other possibilities, thereby reinforcing the theme of uniqueness.
Frost's poem is often interpreted as a reflection on life's choices and the roads we take, where each decision we make closes off other possibilities just as one path in the woods precludes the taking of another. The poem is rich in metaphorical language, and the physical roads serve as a metaphor for different life choices. It can also be considered as a commentary on the human condition and our philosophical contemplation of choice, personal journey, and individuality.