Final answer:
The phrase in question most closely aligns with a metaphor for the challenges of reaching a goal, highlighted through various narrative experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "At which we start and fret; till in the end" suggests a sense of beginning with trepidation and unease that ultimately leads to a conclusion. This could be interpreted as A. A metaphor for the challenges of reaching a goal, as it evokes the idea of facing obstacles and concerns before achieving a desired outcome.
The excerpts provided mirror this concept through various narrators' experiences of anxiety, determination, and the ultimate pursuit of a goal, whether it's freedom, the end of a journey, or the completion of a story. The metaphorical aspect is highlighted in several cases, such as comparing a journey to a game, and underscoring struggles like reaching the final chapter of a book or facing the final stage of a battle against the elements.
The excerpt provided describes the intense feelings of anxiety, determination, and the sense of being tested that someone may experience when trying to achieve a goal. The phrase 'start and fret' implies the beginning of a journey and the constant worry and agitation that can accompany it. This metaphor can be applied to various situations where someone is striving for success and facing obstacles along the way.
Therefore answer is B. A description of a journey.