Final answer:
Without access to the specific paragraphs of the hermit's story, it is impossible to identify and explain the extended metaphor precisely. An extended metaphor would involve using elements of nature or environment to symbolize larger abstract concepts, depending on the context provided in the missing paragraphs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks for identification and explanation of the extended metaphor found in particular paragraphs of the hermit's story. Given the information provided, one could infer that the extended metaphor likely revolves around the nature, its vastness, and perhaps the human emotional response to it or a philosophical concept such as solitude or time. However, the actual paragraphs from the hermit's story where the extended metaphor exists are not provided, making it impossible to determine the correct answer from options A) ocean, B) forest, C) time, or D) solitude without additional context.
If the paragraphs include detailed descriptions of the natural world, one might consider connections to the forest or the ocean as a starting point for interpretation. The extended metaphor would likely use the characteristics of the environment to represent more abstract ideas or emotions, using vivid imagery that can be tied to human experience. Meanwhile, if the paragraphs lean towards interactions with nature that are introspective or contemplative, one might see a metaphor related to time or solitude. Without the specific text, only a discussion on the nature of extended metaphors is possible.