Final answer:
In literature, the fire on the mountain generally symbolizes civilization and can also act as a means of signaling to passing ships.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel, the fire on the mountain serves multiple symbolic purposes, depending on its context within the story. Typically, it can represent a symbol of civilization, as fire is one of the earliest human technologies, used for warmth, cooking, and protection. Moreover, it can also be seen as a means of signaling to passing ships, indicating the presence of humans in need of rescue. Less commonly, it could symbolize a warning or even an offering to a mythical creature within the narrative, though these interpretations can vary depending on the specific novel in question.