Final answer:
The metaphorical implication of 'the forces of moral rectitude tried to get the book censored' is a representation of the conflict between moral principles and censorship laws, reflecting debates about freedom of expression and the role of literature in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the statement "the forces of moral rectitude tried to get the book censored," the metaphorical implication is best described by option C) The struggle between moral principles and censorship laws. This metaphor suggests a conflict, wherein entities representing moral principles (implicitly, people, organizations, or societal forces that champion what they perceive as 'morality') are acting to suppress or control the dissemination of a book they find objectionable. This conflict mirrors historical and ongoing debates about literature, freedom of expression, and the impact of censorship.
Literature often mirrors societal values and challenges, both reflecting and influencing moral beliefs and societal norms. While literature is not a mere vessel for straightforward messages, it can serve as a catalyst for dialogue around complex moral and ethical questions, such as those involving freedom of expression versus societal moral standards. The implication here does not directly concern the transformative power of fiction (option B) nor the impacts of literature on morals (option D) as primary themes, but rather zeroes in on the reactionary dynamics between moral advocacy and the legal or institutional attempts at censorship.